CECE ACTION:CONEQT -Construction Equipment for Tomorrow
European policy objectives have to be aligned with the needs of the companies affected by them if investments in facilities in Europe are to continue. Higher costs,expanding innovation and globalisation have stimulated the development of a long-term strategic vision for those policies which affect the development and competitiveness of the European Construction Equipment Industry.
The European Construction Equipment Industry makes a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the industries global status and sets objectives for improvement in the fields of better regulation, environment, safety and research.
In the area of better regulation CONEQT recommends clear and unambiguous policy definition and vision, the continued application of performance orientated requirements, the alignment of social directives with those applying to manufacturers, comprehensive impact assessments and considered timing of new instruments.
Of specific interest to the Construction Equipment Industry is the remaining non-harmonised area for the use of machines on the road, and the European Construction Equipment Industry recommends the development of a legislative framework to remove the remaining trade barrier. The legitimacy of tractor type-approval of construction equipment and application of relevant overlapping instruments is also proposed to be clarified.
To improve competitiveness and trade opportunities outside of the EU, the continued support of international standards and their recognition as harmonised standards is important to the industry.
On the subject of the environment, the European Construction Equipment Industry proposes to consider in-use engine emission compliance tests, the development of a strategy to further reduce emissions contribution, and the international harmonisation of emission limits, tests and implementation dates. Also recommended is the use of a bio-diesel fuel of B20 specification, a simplification of procedures for the registration of bio-oils to increase their availability and use, and a voluntary agreement for end-of life construction equipment.
In the field of safety CONEQT suggests common requirements for the design of construction equipment intended to travel on the road, the continued evolution of safety requirements for machines in the work place, and a uniform operator training scheme and mandatory EU operator licenses.
With regard to research it is proposed to initiate two programmes to facilitate regulatory and product development. In the area of pollutant emissions it is suggested to examine construction equipment optimisation and efficiency, and the feasibility of a zero emissions machine. For noise emissions it recommended to investigate noise annoyance and noise quality factors, and the needs for further controlling measures.
The European Construction Equipment Industry intends that each of their recommendations be central to future policy making and that with long-term commitment, their effects will help to ensure the success, competitiveness and leading position of the European Construction Equipment Industry in a global market.
related link: http://www.cece-eu.org/pdf/CONEQT_CECE%20Legislation%20Roadmap.pdfrelated file: CONEQT_CECE%20Legislation%20Roadmap.pdf