Brussels, 04/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 4 October, the European Commission published a draft regulation setting out new rules for new motorcycles but also covering two- or three-wheel powered cycles, mopeds, motorcycles with and without a side-car, tricycles, on-road quads and mini-cars to improve safety, reduce carbon emissions and introduce enhanced market surveillance requirements. It also suggests simplifying the current motorcycle laws to keep up with recent changes.
Safety. In 2008, 5,520 motorcycle riders died in road accidents. In fact, the number of fatalities remained more or less constant whereas fatality numbers for other means of transport gradually came down. The proposed regulation should lead to a number of new functional safety requirements, namely compulsory anti-lock braking systems fitted to medium and high performance motorcycles. In addition all L-category vehicles will be equipped with an automatic headlamp-on feature in order to make riders and vehicles more conspicuous and, therefore, more visible to other road users.
Emissions. Certain toxic emissions from road transport are decreasing, but the proportion of these emissions from the L-category vehicle fleet is significantly increasing. Three emission steps are proposed for the coming decade. The Commission proposes among others a Euro 3, a Euro 4 and a Euro 5 step (and Euro 6 limits for motorcycles) to be complied with in 2014, 2017 and 2020, respectively.
Increased market surveillance. By introducing enhanced market surveillance requirements, the Commission wants to tackle the placing of illegal products on the market more rigorously while ensuring fair competition among L-category vehicle manufacturers, in a sector where presence of non-compliant products may cause significant safety risks and environmental harm.
Cutting red tape. The proposal will also radically simplify the current legislative set of 15 directives by replacing them with just 5 regulations.
Adapting to new technology. The current legislative framework will be extended to plug-in hybrids or full electric vehicles, with these propulsion types having already been in mass-production for a number of years in the L-category vehicle sector.
The draft legislation unveiled on Monday only covers the scope of application, vehicle categories and greenhouse gas emissions, but four further items of legislation will be published in 2011 and 2012 on test procedures, technical specifications and administrative measures. All five items of legislation will be submitted to the Council of Ministers and European Parliament with a view to coming into force on 1 January 2013. (E.H./transl.fl)