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International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

Tag - rural road
31May

Mobility in Slovakia Conference

On May 30, 2024, the "Mobility in Slovakia" conference brought together key stakeholders in the field of vehicle testing, approval, and inspection. This significant event, organized by TÜV SÜD in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic, featured active participation from CITA, as well as representatives from Homola, TESTEK, S-EKA, and IRIS-IDENT.

The conference aimed to address the challenges and advancements in vehicle inspection and approval processes, attracting the attention of professionals and organizations deeply involved in this critical field.

CITA President Mr. Gerhard Müller delivered a compelling keynote, emphasizing the importance of vehicle inspection in achieving the ambitious goals of Vision Zero and the European Green Deal. Mr. Müller highlighted how these EU strategies will influence future trends in the automotive industry, stressing that rigorous vehicle inspections are essential to ensuring safety and environmental sustainability.

CITA's active participation extended beyond the keynote, with a detailed presentation by Mr. Eduard Fernández - CITA Executive Director, who discussed the evolving landscape of vehicle inspections and the regulatory changes on the horizon.

The conference agenda included a series of insightful lectures covering a wide range of pertinent topics. Experts discussed cybersecurity in the automotive sector, a critical area as vehicles become increasingly connected and digitalized. The upcoming changes to the Directive on technical inspection of vehicles and the EURO 7 emission standard were also thoroughly examined, providing attendees with valuable insights into future regulatory requirements.

The "Mobility in Slovakia" conference underscored the critical role of PTI in achieving safer roads and a cleaner environment. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, such events are essential for fostering collaboration and innovation to meet the challenges of the future.

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20May

The 23rd CITA General Assembly

Designed as a hybrid event, the 23rd CITA General Assembly, was held on May 16, 2024, at the SPARKS Event Center in Brussels, Belgium.

The assembly was opened by CITA President Mr. Müller, who warmly welcomed the members. The presence of voting members was confirmed, setting the stage for a day of robust discussions and strategic decisions. The provisional agenda was adopted smoothly, followed by the approval of the 22nd GA report, which highlighted last year’s achievements and set the groundwork for this year's agenda.

One of the key points of the assembly was the discussion of the 2023 accounts, which provided a transparent overview of CITA's financial health and paved the way for future initiatives. New members were welcomed into the fold through the voting process, signifying CITA's growing influence and reach.

The assembly featured detailed reports from the various Regional Advisory Groups (RAGs), including Africa, Asia/Austral Asia, Latin America, North America, and Europe. These reports emphasized localized challenges and successes, providing a comprehensive global perspective on vehicle compliance issues. Then discussions were segmented into the different CITA Topic Areas (TAs), focusing on the core issues and future directions of vehicle compliance.

The budget for 2024-2025 was approved, alongside modifications to the Articles of Incorporation, which were critically reviewed and voted upon.

Elections were held for key positions within the Bureau Permanent and among Corporate Members' Representatives, ensuring that CITA's leadership remains dynamic and representative of its diverse membership base.

At the assembly's conclusion, members celebrated Henk Bussink's distinguished career and his retirement after years of dedicated service to CITA and its Bureau Permanent. President Müller presented him with a token of appreciation for his invaluable contributions. Mr. Müller's closing remarks highlighted the assembly's productivity and expressed optimism for the future.

The day concluded with a dinner gathering, providing a perfect opportunity for members to network, discuss the day’s outcomes, and forge new collaborations.

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13May

Overview of the New EU Regulation on Vehicle Emissions & Battery Durability

The European Union has enacted Regulation (EU) 2024/1257, a legislative measure aimed at improving the environmental standards for motor vehicles within the member states. This regulation introduces stringent type-approval requirements for motor vehicles and their engines, focusing specifically on emissions and battery durability. The legislation is a part of the broader EU Green Deal initiative, which seeks a climate-neutral, clean, and circular economy by 2050.

Key Points:

  • Zero Pollution Goal: By 2030, the regulation supports the EU's objective to achieve zero pollution, enhancing air, water, and soil quality by minimizing harmful emissions from vehicles.
  • Unified Standards: The new regulation consolidates and repeals several older regulations to create a uniform system for emission type-approvals for both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles across the EU.
  • Advanced Technology Integration: The legislation encourages the integration of advanced technologies in vehicles, such as on-board monitoring systems and improved battery performance metrics, to ensure compliance with emissions and durability standards throughout a vehicle's operational life.
  • Social and Economic Considerations: The regulation also addresses the socio-economic impacts of transitioning to cleaner mobility, emphasizing affordability, the preservation of industry competitiveness, job creation, and workforce skills development.
  • Market Surveillance and Compliance: Enhanced market surveillance mechanisms are put in place to ensure strict compliance with the regulation, incorporating substantial penalties for non-compliance.
  • Future Adaptations: The document allows for future amendments to incorporate advances in vehicle technology and emissions science, ensuring the regulation remains relevant and effective.
  • Automotive Manufacturers: Required to adapt their production lines to meet stricter emissions and battery durability standards.
  • EU Member States: Must update national regulations and enforcement practices to align with EU standards.
  • Consumers: Will see a market shift towards more durable and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 represents a step forward in the EU's commitment to environmental sustainability and public health protection. It sets a framework for reducing vehicle emissions and enhancing battery durability, aligning with global environmental goals and technological advancements.

  • Title: Regulation (EU) 2024/1257
  • Adopted by: European Parliament and Council
  • Date of Adoption: 24 April 2024
  • Implementation Date: 8 May 2024
  • Relevance: Applicable throughout the European Economic Area (EEA)
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19Apr

FISEVI 2024: Advancing Child Road Safety in Latin America

From April 10 to 12, 2024, El Salvador hosted the significant Foro Internacional de Seguridad Vial Infantil (FISEVI 2024), organized by the Gonzalo Rodríguez Foundation and the Government of El Salvador. This forum has become a cornerstone event for discussing and advancing road safety in Latin America, especially focusing on children.

One of the contributions to the forum was from Mr. Marcelo Martínez, Chairperson of the CITA Regional Advisory Group (RAG) for Latin America. Representing CITA, Martínez took a prominent role in the panel “Fiscalización y Control,” where he detailed various models of Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) systems. His discussion centered around CITA Recommendation 20, exploring its adaptation to the realities of Latin American countries to ensure compliance with technical vehicle inspections.

The panel also featured significant figures such as Alfredo Alvayero, General Director of Transit of El Salvador, and Juan José Olaizola, Vice Minister of Transportation of Uruguay, who shared insights into their countries' efforts towards enhancing road safety. The collaborative efforts highlighted the importance of integrating technology with skilled personnel training to enhance traffic enforcement effectiveness.

Diego Coiro of CIEMSA highlighted the need to tailor road safety strategies to the specific conditions of each territory, emphasizing the importance of sharing and exchanging experiences across borders. Meanwhile, Juan José Olaizola discussed Uruguay's practical application of surveillance tools, demonstrating significant improvements in road safety metrics following the implementation of new technologies, such as extensive radar systems.

Alfredo Alvayero spoke about El Salvador’s holistic approach to road safety, which includes intense public awareness and regulation of driving schools and instructor certification processes as part of a broader national road safety plan.

The forum was enriched with educational sessions led by experts like Fred Wegman, Emeritus Professor at Delft University, who moderated discussions on the need for visibility in law enforcement and the use of automated enforcement technologies. Panels also discussed the integration of various road safety components, such as vehicle safety standards, infrastructure improvements, and legislative measures.

The event concluded with a declaration of commitment to the goals of the UN’s Global Road Safety Plan and the Stockholm Declaration, aiming to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030. The declaration emphasized the need for strong political leadership and international cooperation to protect children on the roads.

For more information please visit the FISEVI website

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11Apr

Vietnam Register’s Visit to CITA in Brussels

April 11, 2024. A delegation from the Vietnam Register, composed by Mr. Nguyen Chien Thang, the General Director, alongside Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong, Director of the Vehicle Inspection Department, made a significant visit to CITA headquarters in Brussels.

This visit is part of a broader European tour undertaken by the Vietnamese delegation aimed at garnering inspiration and insights to refine and elevate the PTI standards in Vietnam. The delegation’s decision to include CITA in their itinerary underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing vehicle safety and environmental standards globally.

Vietnam Register has been an active participant in CITA’s endeavors, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to advancing vehicle inspection protocols and safety measures. Over the years, Vietnam Register has not only hosted several CITA activities but also assumed the chairmanship of the CITA Regional Advisory Group (RAG) for Asia/Australasia. This role has significantly contributed to fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and implementing innovative inspection solutions across the region.

During their visit, Mr. Nguyen Chien Thang and Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong engaged in in-depth discussions with CITA Executive Director Mr. Eduard Fernández , focusing on the latest trends in vehicle inspection, technological advancements, and the challenges of adapting to rapidly changing transportation ecosystems. These conversations are invaluable for Vietnam Register as they seek to integrate these insights into Vietnam's PTI frameworks, aiming to enhance safety, compliance, and environmental sustainability.

This visit is a testament to the power of international collaboration in advancing safety standards worldwide, setting a precedent for future engagements and joint initiatives.

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02Apr

Unlocking the Challenges of Rural Roads Safety in the EU

In an ambitious effort to address the persisting safety challenges on rural roads, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) unveiled a detailed report in March 2023, shedding light on the conditions of these crucial pathways across the European Union. Rural roads, characterized by their lower traffic density but higher rates of fatal accidents compared to urban streets, have long been the focus of safety improvement initiatives. The ETSC's latest publication offers a holistic view of the efforts, outcomes, and ongoing challenges in enhancing rural road safety in 2022.

On a positive note, several countries have shown remarkable improvements in reducing fatalities and serious injuries, thanks to enhanced road infrastructure, better enforcement of traffic laws, and widespread public safety campaigns. Innovations such as improved signage, road resurfacing, and the implementation of intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) technologies have played pivotal roles in these successes.

However, the report also highlights areas of concern. Despite overall progress, certain regions continue to struggle with high rates of accidents and fatalities, underscoring the uneven distribution of safety measures and infrastructure quality. A significant portion of accidents on rural roads is attributed to speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the lack of seat belt usage among passengers.

To combat these challenges, the ETSC puts forth several recommendations, including the acceleration of infrastructure upgrades to ensure all rural roads meet minimum safety standards, a stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws, and the expansion of public awareness campaigns to promote safe driving practices. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of leveraging technology, such as ISA and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, to further reduce accident rates.

The ETSC's report serves as both a progress marker and a call to action for EU member states, local governments, and stakeholders. As the EU aims for a "Vision Zero" target, seeking to eliminate all road fatalities by 2050, the focus on rural roads is more critical than ever. Achieving this ambitious goal will require a concerted effort, involving not just government interventions, but also community engagement and individual responsibility.

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