Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011
569 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the draft European Parliament and Council regulation for the approval and market surveillance of two or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles; and the submissions that have been made to the Parliament and Commission on these regulations as drafted by him or his agent. [32052/11]
View answer570 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way the consultative process has been co-ordinated by him or the Road Safety Authority in order to involve affected persons and voluntary groups; the submissions or observations that have been received from such persons and voluntary groups; and if the consultative period will be extended to afford adequate time for such submissions and observations. [32055/11]
View answer571 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce mandatory high-visibility clothing for motorcyclists; and the consultative process he envisages. [32058/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 569 to 571, inclusive, together.
EU Regulations regarding motorcycle standards are under discussion in the EU at present. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) represents my Department at these discussions and I am informed that the proposals relate only to vehicle standards, not to the vehicle's use or the driver, and specify the standards to be applied to new motorcycles. The proposals present a legal framework for the type approval and increased market surveillance of mopeds, motorcycles and quads, which will replace and simplify the existing Framework Directive 2002/24/EC. The proposed Regulations are designed to improve the safety of those who belong to a vulnerable road user group and who account, proportionately, for the highest fatality and injury rates among all road users.
Contrary to suggestions that have been made by various parties, the proposed Regulations do not provide for banning older motorcycles from urban areas or changes to driver licensing.
The main elements of the proposed Regulations relate to mandatory anti-lock braking systems, prevention of tampering with the powertrain and automatic use of headlamp on. The Regulations are also designed to reduce vehicle emissions for these types of vehicles, which, statistics show, currently are not reducing in line with other road vehicles such as cars, buses and goods vehicles.
The RSA recently published an information note on the proposals on its website, and invited feedback from stakeholders and the general public. I understand that feedback has been received to date from user groups, motorcycle companies and private individuals, and that the responses vary from full support of the proposals to strong objections, particularly in respect of vehicle modifications. Feedback had been requested by the 29th October last but I am also informed that responses received after that date will be considered.
Separately, the RSA's Motorcycle Safety Action Plan provides for the national compulsory wearing of high visibility vests by 2014. This is based upon research into road traffic collisions involving motorcyclists. It should be noted that the RSA already encourages the use of high visibility vests and offers them free of charge to motorcyclists.
Previous observation studies conducted by the RSA have reported high visibility clothing wearing rates of approximately 40% by motorcyclists in Ireland. The RSA is carrying out a follow-up study which is due to commence this month. Once the data from this study are analysed the RSA will release its findings by the end of the year.
In the event that there are high wearing rates by 2014, the Road Safety Authority will then re-evaluate the need for compulsory wearing of high-visibility vests.
