THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and in particular the second indent of Article 13(2) thereof,
Having regard to Council Directive 70/221/EEC of 20 March 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to liquid fuel tanks and rear underrun protection of motor vehicles and their trailers, and in particular Article 3 thereof,
Whereas:
(1)
Directive 70/221/EEC is one of the separate Directives in the context of the Community type-approval procedure laid down in Directive 70/156/EEC. The provisions of Directive 70/156/EEC relating to systems, components and separate technical units for vehicles therefore apply to Directive 70/221/EEC.
(2)
In order to increase the level of protection, rear underrun protection devices should be required to withstand increased force levels, and account should be taken of vehicles using air suspension units.
(3)
In view of technical progress, and the advances made in vehicle use with regard to the installation of vehicle platform lifts, it is appropriate that account be taken of platform lifts in the context of the installation of rear underrun protection devices.
(4)
Directive 70/221/EEC should therefore be amended accordingly.
(5)
The measures provided for in this Directive are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Adaptation to Technical Progress set up under Article 13(1) of Directive 70/156/EEC,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: