is first and foremost defined as a means of personal transport. It also concerns passenger transport, depending on the type of vehicle used. Taking everyone’s habits into consideration, journey and routes vary and can be local, national or even international.
As opposed to other means of transport, can either be for personal or professional ends. Passenger transport is thus possible thanks to taxis, private ambulances, shuttles or chauffeur services. Rental services can also be called upon if a person requires a vehicle for a short time only.
For practical purposes and for lack of sufficient volumes, does not include the delivery of goods. Nonetheless, there are exceptions whereby occasional, targeted deliveries can be done by car. This is namely the case for certain food delivery services, such as take-away pizzas for instance. can also be defined as said vehicles being transported by specialized trucks.
There are 5 main features used to define . They help better grasp the main ways in which this means of transport can be used, as well as its importance:
concerns tourism vehicles. It also includes light utility vehicles, specially designed for transporting passengers;
This mode of transport can be for personal or professional usage;
Depending on the vehicle’s GVWR, a driving license may be required;
is appropriate for short, medium or long-distance journeys;
It is a universal means of transport, that shows a few regulatory differences according to the country in question: right- or left-hand drive, condition required for the car to be driven (technical inspection), etc.
In the professional world, is a real necessity. Companies are in some cases able to provide their staff with company cars.
Cars are an integral part of many different business lines:
Passenger transport: taxis, shuttles;
Services to individuals: ambulances, home-care nurses;
Jobs requiring frequent travelling: salespeople;
Vehicle renting for private individuals and professionals.
It should be noted that requires taking out an insurance policy to protect the owner in the event of an accident, damage or theft. For companies, specific policies can be taken out, covering their entire vehicle fleet.
There are currently about one billion cars circulating throughout the world. Both in France and abroad, it is the prevailing means of transport when it comes to road traffic. Car manufacturing has never ceased to increase over the last decade. It registers a yearly increase of 5 to 10%, all brands combined.
In France, about 56% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by . This estimate rises to 77% if light utility vehicles are included. Various initiatives strive to reverse this trend, namely based on the energy transition principle. Hybrid technologies and public transport enhanced by innovative concepts such as “Mobility as a Service” are examples of this.
(Source: https://www.notre-planete.info/ecologie/transport/placeauto.php
Highway code
Regulations pertaining to passenger transport and safety
Regulatory texts relating to the different business lines in question: taxis, ambulances, etc.