MEP Pascal Arimont (PPE) has asked the European Commission to assess whether external acoustic turning warning systems on lorries and buses should be made mandatory across the EU to better protect pedestrians and cyclists. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 17 June 2026, Arimont also inquired about possible retrofit requirements for existing fleets and additional measures to reduce accidents between turning vehicles and vulnerable road users.
The question, filed under Rule 144 of the European Parliament's rules of procedure, notes that since July 2024, Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 has required turning assistance systems for newly registered lorries. However, Arimont argues that acoustic warnings—already used in some Member States—can alert both drivers and nearby pedestrians and cyclists, offering a complementary layer of protection. He specifically asks the Commission to examine whether acoustic blind-spot assistance systems could be mandated EU-wide, including for retrofitting existing vehicles.
The MEP's third question seeks information on any other planned EU measures to minimise accidents between turning vehicles and vulnerable road users. The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal whether the executive is considering expanding current vehicle safety requirements beyond the 2024 regulation. The initiative targets improved road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, who are disproportionately affected by lorry turning accidents, while potentially imposing compliance costs on vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators.