| Mandatory medical checks for driving licences unlikely to survive Council negotiations unscathed
The European Parliament’s Transport Committee made a stir last week when it agreed its position on the driving licence directive update – though to be fair, “agreed” is perhaps a strong word as the final vote was won by just a single vote, demonstrating the gulf between MEPs on the left and right of the committee. One of the most controversial aspects of the TRAN committee position was the inclusion of mandatory medical checks for those looking to obtain or renew a licence. The exact nature of these medical checks, as well as who would be qualified to perform them, would be up to member states, but it is expected that an eye check would be required at minimum. In supporting the measure, the Greens’ Karima Dalli, the lead lawmaker on the file, framed it as an additional safety step that will help to prevent accidents. However, the centre-right EPP group blasted it as an unacceptable intrusion, making it clear that they will attempt to overturn the measure at plenary. It all may be a moot point anyway. In the position of the Council of the EU, which represents member states, mandatory medical checks are also included but with an important opt out clause – countries may apply for a “self-assessment” option, which would likely involve drivers filling in a form declaring themselves fit to operate a vehicle from a medical and mental standpoint. Not all countries are happy with this. Germany has called the mandatory medical check intrusive and the self-assessment pointless paperwork (though as someone who has gone through the process of registering at a German Bürgerservicezentrum, I am surprised by this stance against pointless paperwork). So even if the TRAN committee’s stance on obligatory medical checks is agreed during the Parliament’s plenary vote, expect member states to tack on a “self-assessment” derogation option. – Sean Goulding Carroll | 