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Written question asked by Lord Steel of Aikwood (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 20 November 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 December 2017. It was answered by Baroness Sugg (Conservative) on Monday, 4 December 2017 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Motorcycles: Testing

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government why they propose to apply the European directive on testing motorcycles in 2018, given that the directive is deferred to 2022; and whether they will reconsider that decision to allow more time to consult further with motorcycle producers, users, and clubs.

Answer

In Great Britain, for road safety reasons, motorcycles are already included in the vehicle testing regime, despite this not being required by European rules until 2022. EU Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic technical inspections of vehicles makes a number of changes to roadworthiness testing requirements, which must be implemented by 20 May 2018. It updates some of the technical test standards, broadly reflecting developments in vehicle and testing technology and the regulatory environment, such as improved emissions standards. It is important that our roadworthiness testing requirements keep pace with improving vehicle standards.

Alongside the changes required by the Directive by 20 May 2018, the Government has decided to apply the relevant technical changes to motorcycle testing because there are road safety and environmental benefits of doing so. There was a public consultation in 2016 about the changes.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3407
Session
2017-19
Subjects
EU law Motorcycles Testing
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk