Govt introducing new lorry, bus and motorcycle safety measures

Date: 3/4/2012

New measures will be coming into force that aim to improve safety for motorcyclists and lorry and bus drivers.

They have been put forward in Parliament and will be introduced on January 19th 2013 as part of new European safety requirements.

From that date, access to powerful motorcycles will be subject to age and competence, while the minimum age to ride without previous experience will rise from 21 to 24.

Driving examiners will also have to undergo more stringent checks, while licences for bus and lorry drivers will have to be renewed every five years, although those under the age of 45 will not need a full medical report.

Chief Executive of the Driving Standards Agency Rosemary Thew said: "These changes build on our existing standards and recognise the importance of our examiners' professionalism."

This announcement comes following the launch of a motorcycle safety campaign by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, which aimed to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining bikes to a high standard.

Posted by Sarah Bailey