European type approval rules for motorcycles to be amended?

Date: 6/9/2011

The European Commission has proposed amending the regulations governing the type approval of motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles and quadricycles.

A draft of the possible changes was published in 2010 to initiate negotiations on the matter between the Commission and European Union (EU) member states and the closing date to comment on the formal written consultation is October 28th 2011.

As a result, the Department for Transport is seeking the views of any interested party so that it can endeavour to refine what the UK's negotiating policy will be.

Type approval relates to the certification of vehicles that fulfil Europe's basic standards on exhaust emissions and road safety.

Should the motors meet these requirements, owners or dealers can sell them and register them throughout the EU without having to meet the approval restrictions issued by individual member states.

Proposed changes to this process include establishing one regulation for all of the type approval requirements, which are currently kept separate.

In addition, factors such as negative environmental impact and the safety of the motor might also be included.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said: "I hope as many people as possible will respond to the consultation and give us the benefit of their knowledge and experience as we progress towards the negotiating stage on these new rules."

Posted by Mary Treen