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The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeadis, participated in the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (Transport) Council held today in Luxembourg. The main topic of the Council was the proposal to revise the Driving Licence Directive, which is part of the legislative package on road safety. In his intervention, the Minister said that this proposal is one of the main elements of the effort to improve road safety. He also pointed out that, by promoting the harmonisation of driving licences in all Member States, a uniform format with common features is ensured, thus helping to reduce any cases of fraud. Also, through enhanced cooperation and communication between Member States on the issue of road traffic offences, the Directive could help to ensure that drivers comply with the payment of fines resulting from serious road traffic offences. The Minister also welcomed the provision for self-assessment of the driver's health before issuing or renewing a driving licence, as this promotes drivers' road awareness. However, he pointed out that to be fully effective, it should be complemented by professional medical examinations and possibly assessments by driving experts for people with certain medical conditions. As regards the inclusion of eco-driving in the syllabus of the driving test, Mr Vafeadis said that this is in line with the common objectives of the "FIT for 55" legislative package, thus reinforcing environmental neutrality. During the same discussion, there was also an exchange of views on the introduction of a digital driving licence valid throughout the EU and the creation of a pan-European central database. The Minister indicated that the framework should be further complemented with elements such as the elaboration of the possibility to adapt to technological trends, the user-friendly environment and possibly the provision of alternatives for those less familiar with digital technology. In the margins of the Council, Cyprus together with 15 other Member States co-signed the European Declaration on Cycling which aims to highlight the advantages of cycling as a sustainable, efficient and modern mode of transport with a high positive impact on the economy. The Declaration calls on the European Commission to launch an appropriate action plan at EU level to further promote the use of cycling. Finally, Mr Vafedis had bilateral contacts with his counterparts where they discussed issues of mutual interest. /ΘΓ/ΜΠ
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