Developments at EU level will result in new heavy goods vehicles, HGVs, having to comply with higher standards regarding the fields of vision of drivers. In November 2003, the EU adopted Directive 2003/97/EC, which provides for an extension of the field of vision so as to address the issue of blind spots. The directive harmonises the rules relating to the type-approval of devices for indirect vision, including mirrors and camera monitors, on motor vehicles and of vehicles equipped with these devices. These enhanced requirements should lead to a reduction in fatalities and serious injuries involving pedestrians and cyclists due to the driver's inadequate field of vision.
The directive requires all new HGVs entering into service from 26 January 2007 to meet the revised standards for field of vision set in the directive. Subject to practical engineering constraints and the agreement of the European Commission, it is my intention to also require existing vehicles of the types covered by the directive to be retrofitted with the necessary mirrors and/or cameras and monitors.
