reply from my euro mp.

• Posted by vesparado January 23 - #euro type approval  - 112 views

  23 January 2012
  
  
  Dear Stephen,
  Thank you for your email raising concerns about new rules being proposed for motorcycles.  I have consulted with my colleague Catherine Stihler MEP, who is a member of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) which has responsibility for this report.  
  The European Commission proposed changes to motorbike rules in 2010 and following the IMCO draft report in May 2011, members of the committee tabled amendments and voted on them in early December last year.  There were several compromise amendments to reflect the points that you raised in your email which all passed with the support of all parties.  It's important to emphasise that negotiations are ongoing at present and, along with the Commission and Council, MEPs representing the major parties will seek to find a compromise agreement which is acceptable to manufacturers and motorcyclists.
  Everyone agrees that our roads should be safer, that we must make efforts to curb the number of deaths.  Extending the roll out of Advanced Breaking System (ABS) is identified as one of the areas that could lead to shorter stopping distances and result in a reduction in the amount of road deaths.  The IMCO committee voted to introduce ABS to bikes from 25cc and above.  In the negotiations several options will be presented to try and reduce the cost to the manufacturer of introducing ABS, including single wheel ABS.  My colleague Catherine Stihler pressed for ABS to be optional on engagement of ignition and whilst this was not approved by the committee, there is an appetite for this and she will continue to press the issue on colleagues involved in the report.
  Motorcyclists have always been keen to adapt their bikes whether to increase performance, appearance, efficiency or ride comfort.  I understand that modification is part of the culture of owning a motorcycle.  That is why motorcyclists will still be able to make modifications; the only differences will be in the categorisation of different classes of bikes and the way in which manufacturers are allowed to put limitations on the scale of the modification.  Any changes made to a motorcycle will not be allowed to result in a jump to a different category in order to prevent excessive emissions and accidents caused by parts which are not suitable.  This is a common sense approach to maintain the tradition of motorcycle modification whilst limiting it at the point where it can become dangerous or harmful to the environment.  
  On board diagnostics (OBD) will be introduced to motorcycles to allow riders the same benefits that car drivers currently enjoy.  For example, if a headlight bulb ceases to work, the driver will be informed.  Please be assured that this is being introduced purely to aid the driver.  The ways in which police monitor motorcycles will not change as a result, as this is outside the scope of the report.  The exact details of the OBD will be decided by way of a delegated act so that experts in the field can make an informed decision about what OBD could be most beneficial to riders.  An impact assessment is due in February to consider the cost/benefit of different possibilities.
  The changes summarised above are expected to come in to force in 2016/2017 and will not apply to any motorcycles which are manufactured before this date.  You can rest assured that the European Parliamentary Labour Party is following the report closely and will continue to consider motorcyclists' views.
  I hope this addresses your concerns.  However, if there are further points you would like me to bring to my colleague’s attention, please let me know.
  
  Best wishes
  
  
  Glenis Willmott MEP