The European Commission's proposal to compensate cyclists and pedestrians irrespective of the circumstances
of accidents has run into opposition from the MAG/FEMA lobby and its allies in the European Parliament.
The European Parliament by contrast, has, in response to the MAG/FEMA lobby, deleted the
clause that would have rendered the operators of all powered vehicles automatically guilty when they collide with pedestrians and cyclists.
The proposed measure would, if passed, automatically
make motorists financially liable for any accident involving a pedestrian or cyclist.
The European Parliament publicly stated that: The EP thinks that this is a matter for national legislation,
and does not lie within the European Union's area of competence.
Apart from the controversial provision, the changes contained in the proposals are to the advantage of the consumer, making it
easier to get a vehicle insured in other EU Member States, to contract short term insurance for vehicles bought abroad, or temporary insurance in another EU country.
The proposal also seeks to
speed up the procedure for compensation claims from victims of accidents. The Commission's argument in favour of the "no fault" provision has failed, at least at this first stage through
the Parliament but could reappear.
MAG consider that any such "guilt by default" proposal is contrary to natural justice.
The proposal continues on its passage through the legislative process.
The MAG/FEMA campaign to protect motorcyclists from the commission's "guilty by default" proposal will continue.
