http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=N1YEJCEWN2IMZQFIQMFCFFOAVC
BQYIV0?xml=/news/2007/01/07/nmotor07.xml

Motorists face EU crackdown

By Patrick Hennessy, Political Editor, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 12:29am GMT 07/01/2007

British motorists face the imposition of "European standard" speed and
drink-drive limits under plans by Brussels to cut deaths on the road,
The Sunday Telegraph has learned.

The European Commission wants a continent-wide "harmonisation" of
traffic laws. This could see many of the penalties currently set by
national governments standardised across the EU.

Britain's permitted level for alcohol in drivers - 80 milligrams per
100 millilitres of blood - is much more liberal than in most EU
countries where the level is 50 milligrams or less.
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Commission papers say other planned moves would compel drivers to have
their headlights on at all times, and would give Brussels effective
control of Britain's network of speed cameras.

In addition, British drivers could be made to re-apply for licences
every 10 years - requiring individuals to show they are fit to drive
and placing big potential obstacles in the way of people fitted with
pacemakers and sufferers from angina or diabetes.

The changes are being planned by Jacques Barrot, the French EU
transport commissioner, an ally of President Jacques Chirac. Mr
Barrot's father died from complications after a car crash.

Last night, Chris Grayling, the shadow transport secretary, said he
would write to Douglas Alexander, the Transport Secretary, to ask why
ministers were not doing more to resist the "completely unacceptable"
new rules.

He added: "What I don't understand is why our ministers are being so
weak when it comes to looking after our interests in Europe and in
ensuring that the commission doesn't stifle Europe in a tide of
unneeded regulations.

"Surely it's for the democratically elected governments of member
states to decide policy on things like speed cameras - not for
unelected bureaucrats in Brussels."

The regulations being planned by Brussels are contained in a series of
briefing papers and consultation documents prepared by the commission.
EU officials say the changes are aimed at halving the number of deaths
on EU roads by 2010. They want member states to change the laws in
their own countries voluntarily, but the documents show they are ready
to enforce community-wide rules if they do not.

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Not a bad idea but it won't work unless it's combined with stiff
penalties. Stop coddling these highway killers.