Written answers

Tuesday, 4 October 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Safety

8:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 651: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the changes proposed by the EU in respect of motorcyclists; the cost implications for users; if he is convinced safety will actually be improved by the requirements regarding professional bike servicing in view of the specialist expertise of many motorcycle enthusiasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27103/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Proposed new Regulations regarding motorcycle standards are under discussion in the EU at present. I am informed that the proposed Regulations relate only to vehicle standards, not to the vehicle's use or the driver, and specify the standards to be applied to new motorcycles. It presents a legal framework for the type approval and market surveillance of mopeds, motorcycles and quads, which will replace the existing Framework Directive 2002/24/EC.

Contrary to suggestions that have been made, the proposed Regulations do not in fact include provisions for mandatory wearing of high visibility clothing by motorcyclists, banning older motorcycles from urban areas or changes to driver licensing.

The proposed Regulations are designed to improve the safety of those riders who belong to a vulnerable road user group and who account for the highest fatality and injury rates among all road users. The Regulations also are anticipated to result in reduced vehicle emissions for these types of vehicles, which currently are not reducing in line with other road vehicles such as cars, buses and goods vehicles. The Regulations should not result in any significant cost implications for motorcyclists.

The Road Safety Authority has recently published information on the proposals on their website and is inviting feedback before the end of October.

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