CIECA - Working for safer driving across Europe

DSA's director of corporate support, Paul Butler, talks about his role with CIECA - the International Commission for driver testing.

What is CIECA?

CIECA is an international association representing driver testing organisations. It has 48 members in 37 countries – mainly in Europe.

How does the organisation work?

CIECA's purpose is technical and professional - sharing and developing knowledge and experience for the benefi t of its members. CIECA works with other important organisations such as the European Commission and bodies such as the International Road Transport Union (IRU) - the international body representing road freight and passenger transport operators.

What is your role in CIECA?

I was elected a Vice-President in 2004 and since last year I have had the role of Secretary General-Treasurer. My key tasks have been:

• oversight of CIECA resources - ensuring CIECA's financial security and delivering good services for our members
• developing CIECA's strategy for 2012-16 and looking forward to 2020
• updating the CIECA statutes and other rules to enable the strategy to be delivered and the association to operate in an effective and efficient manner

What can we expect to see from CIECA in the coming years?

• a broader appreciation of driving standards including driver education and remedial intervention
• a membership structure that allows the involvement of other types of membership, enabling their intellectual and financial support
• contributing to the European Commission's new Road Safety Framework

How does DSA benefit from CIECA membership?

• different jurisdictions face common road safety issues - such as new driver safety. CIECA offers the opportunity to learn from each other. We can learn from experience abroad
• much of UK domestic road traffic law - including driver testing - is Community based and the Commission sees CIECA as an important source of technical advice. Participating in the debate, influencing arguments and forming international partnerships is an essential part of the job.