FEMA tells European Commission: ‘There is no need for a three stage license system’. In Brussels FEMA brought forward the topic of training and licensing and offered help and expertise to the European Commission to formulate a suitable directive.

On 17th November 2014 Aline Delhaye and Dolf Willigers represented FEMA at the “workshop in preparation of the mid-term evaluation of Commission Road Safety Policy Orientations 2011-2020” in the Berlaymont building in Brussels.

Delegates from several governmental and nongovernmental organizations gave in an assessment of the period 2011-2014 their views on the success of the Road Safety Policy of the Commission. Most were quite satisfied, but also stated that the term was very short to take conclusions.

It seemed FEMA was the only organization that wasn’t very pleased with the results, this mainly because of the effects of the third driving license directive. FEMA considers this directive as having reinforced barriers to entry to motorcycling and believes in giving riders high quality training, the efficacy of which is likewise confirmed by the outcome of the Riderscan survey.  We do not see any evidence for the necessity of a three stage license system. Several speakers also put emphasis on training and awareness of road users, others focussed on ICT to achieve safer traffic. Most speakers asked more attention for vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists.

When looking at the future, several speakers asked for impact assessments. FEMA advocated the need of data and accident related research and mentioned the role of ITS. Several other speakers did the same, although the ‘safety organizations’ focussed more on intelligent speed assistant (ISA) systems and mandatory alcohol interlocks.

FEMA brought forward again the topic of training and licensing and offered help and expertise to the Commission to formulate a suitable directive. The representative of the Commission stated that when the time comes for legislation, the Commission will use the knowledge of the stakeholders. Of course we will do everything we can to get involved in a proper training and licensing system.