Brendan Smith
Question:623. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend a scheme to include a new category (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53623/17]
View answerThursday, 14 December 2017
Questions (623)
Written answers
Under a new Roadworthiness Directive, 2014/45/EU, published in 2014, motorcycles, motorcycles with sidecar, motortricycles and heavy quadricycles with an engine displacement of more than 125 cm3 will be required to be roadworthiness tested from 1 January 2022. However, the Directive allows that where a Member State has effective alternative road safety measures in place for such vehicles, an exemption to this requirement may apply.
If the testing of motorcycles was to be introduced it would have to be under national legislation following consultation with the public and stakeholders. There is no doubt that motorcyclists are one of the more vulnerable groups of road users and an on-going area of concern is the behaviour displayed by and shown towards motorcyclists.
While any measures which have a positive effect on road safety are to be welcomed, it is important that we achieve the optimum road safety measures at the best cost and least administrative burden on industry and vehicle owners. The RSA will examine the requirements of the Directive in due course.