EU policymakers are being urged to focus on the most effective vehicle safety measures with the strongest positive impact in its proposals for revisions to vehicle safety regulations due this May.

ACEA is open to the requirement that equipment including autonomous emergency braking systems or lane departure warning come as standard

The forthcoming proposals will tighten up the General Safety Regulation to decrease the number of road fatalities and injuries and could see 19 specific vehicle safety measures mandated as standard equipment.

With just weeks to go until the proposals are due, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has said it’s open to the requirement that equipment including autonomous emergency braking systems or lane departure warning come as standard but urged for policymakers to focus on vehicle safety measures with the most tangible results.

ACEA secretary general Erik Jonnaert said: “EU auto makers want to invest in the most effective solutions. We are therefore calling for detailed cost-benefit analyses and proper impact assessments for all measures under consideration.”

He also called for a more holistic approach to road safety, adding: “Notwithstanding the great potential of vehicle safety technologies, an integrated approach is also needed, combining new technology with improved road infrastructure and safer driver behaviour. ACEA is committed to work with relevant stakeholders to make further progress in these areas.”