By Henrietta Billings - 23rd February 2005
MEPs have backed plans to introduce a single “credit card” sized EU driving licence.
In a Strasbourg plenary session vote on Wednesday, deputies strongly supported ambitious plans to do away with the confusing patchwork of different types of driving licence across the EU.
“I am very satisfied with the result which was backed by a large majority of the European Parliament,” said Mathieu Grosch the centre-right MEP responsible for parliament's report.
“We will now have one driving licence instead of 110 different types.”
“Legal certainty is guaranteed, mobility is increased and anti-fraud measures are increased.”
Paper licences which are easy to forge and vary in format between member states will no longer be issued, and will be replaced over 20 years with plastic cards equipped with photos and anti-fraud devices.
Old licences will be exchanged when they expire, and drivers already in possession of a licence can keep their existing documents alongside the new permit – they will not have to re-sit their tests.
The plans, approved by the parliament at first reading, are designed to improve the mobility of the EU’s 200 million licence holders, combat fraud and help contribute to making Europe’s roads safer.
Brussels had proposed that licences for drivers over 65 should be valid for only 5 year periods, but MEPs backed amendments lifting blanket restrictions, leaving it to the discretion of member states.
The same view was taken on the need for medical checks.
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