The Commission had proposed to extend EU rules on mandatory vehicle-testing to include motorcycles and scooters. A proposal to introduce minimum European Union standards for roadworthiness tests on motorcycles was rejected by members of the European Parliament’s transport committee on 30 May. The European Council had already rejected the idea in December.
The Commission had proposed to extend EU rules on mandatory vehicle-testing to include motorcycles and scooters.
A proposal to introduce minimum European Union standards for roadworthiness tests on motorcycles was rejected by members of the European Parliament’s transport committee on 30 May. The European Council had already rejected the idea in December.
The Commission had proposed to extend EU rules on mandatory vehicle-testing to include L-category vehicles. The current rules date from 1977 and do not cover two- and three-wheeled vehicles. Eleven member states do not conduct safety tests on these vehicles, and these mostly Southern member states have strongly resisted the move to require them to conduct safety tests.
MEPs voted to keep PTW out of the scope of the European Commission’s proposed ‘roadworthiness package’, opting instead for a minimal update to existing rules without an expansion of scope or thoroughness. This is the approach preferred by member states, which voted in December to reject the extension of the EU standards to motorbikes.
Technical defects are the primary cause of a motorcycle accident in 0,3% of all cases, while they have a contributing role in 5% of accidents involving motorcycles. ACEM had been in favour of the inclusion of PTWs in the roadworthiness package, believing that improvements in terms of safety and emissions could be obtained, but at the condition that provisions should not burden the user, with unjustified costs.
The transport committee also agreed with the member state position that the frequency of testing for cars should not be increased. The Commission had proposed that cars over six years old should be tested every year. Instead the current system of testing every two years should be maintained.
The transport committee’s position will be put to a full plenary vote in July.
For ACEM’s position on Periodic tecnhical inspection read the full article here.
