Road safety issues posed by the EU standard on mud flaps

Question for written answer  E-001511/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Johan Danielsson (S&D)

Swedish truck drivers have brought to my attention the fact that the EU standard on mud flaps carries serious implications for large vehicles. When driving in cold conditions, snow accumulates between the mud flap and the wheel, forming large blocks of ice. These blocks seriously threaten road safety when they become detached from the mud flaps. In addition, mud flaps are not designed to handle the extra weight of accumulated snow and are therefore at risk of falling off. Furthermore, the backslides of mud flaps are very sharp and when they are weighed down by snow they can tear the wheels.

It is clear that mud flaps are unsuitable for cold climates and that they endanger road safety in the northern parts of the EU:

• 1.Is the Commission aware that the EU standard on mud flaps is problematic for large vehicles in cold climates?
• 2.If so, what action will it take to address the issue and to ensure road safety?
• 3.If not, will it launch a study to examine how to better adapt the EU standard on mud flaps to cold climates?