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Public Affairs Director Political Report: From The Minutes of October National Committee Meeting:
Overview
The main aspects of the political work are contained in this report.
The majority of the time in this period has been taken up by the lobbying and issues surrounding the Third EU Driving Licence Directive in Europe. Plus the back ground work on the demo in Brussels.
Crash Barriers
Still an on going campaign and document details are in Network, Network Online and at the MAG UK website.
Article produced for Network and ‘The Road’ which now also features asking the Transport Minister that no more Wire Rope Barriers be fitted in the UK.
Two of the riders’ organisations in Europe that were part of the FEMA working group on crash barriers, MAG Netherlands and NMCU in Norway, have both held demos and NMCU have been given promises by their Government, that no more wire-rope barriers will be fitted in Norway.
A resounding success for NMCU while MAG Netherlands continue their fight against wire-rope barriers by organising a protest ride in September to underline motorcyclists’ objections to the use of cable barriers (or wire rope fences) along Dutch roads.
To visualise the dangers of cable barriers the riders took it upon themselves to make the barrier ‘motorcyclist friendly’ by covering it with straw bales.
See October 2005 Network http://www.network.mag-uk.org/oct05p8.html
Action: Still need more lobbying on this.
Network Extra (Stop Press)
FROM: WIM TAAL - MAG NL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2005 3:28 PM
DUTCH BAN ON CABLE BARRIERS
DEAR COLLEAGUES,
SHORT BUT SWEET:
AFTER SUCCESSFUL LOBBYING BY MAG NL THE DUTCH PARLIAMENT YESTERDAY VOTED IN FAVOUR OF A BAN ON CABLE BARRIERS IN THE NETHERLANDS.
GREETINGS, WIM TAAL
Report in next issue of Network.
Third Driving Licence Directive and Demo
Well I think we can say that this was a resounding success between MAG and the BMF and the support of MCN.
Full pictures are at www.network.mag-uk.org/brusselsdemo05.html
A big thanks to all those that attended and apologies to those that missed the start of the demo due to the Police changing the location at the last minute.
Also thanks to Mike Nattrass, MEP from UKIP and his staff for their support of the demo and an offer to join him in Europe in the future on a “tour” of the EU Parliament.
The action on the Licence Directive is not over yet will extend into 2006 as the UK Government seem intent in drawing out the process of the Directive. They seem to not want to act on their Presidency of the EU to open negotiations on what is now the “Luxembourg Compromise” and progress a common position in the Transport Council.
The compromise is the worst possible scenario for the motorcycle part of the directive on age limits and access to motorcycling.
The advice from the FEMA Secretariat is, “That this could now be December and could be passed onto the Austrian Presidency (which is not expected to be interested in pressing on with this either). So it could well be that it may take a few more months before the Common Position is back in the European Parliament.”
“Once the Common Position is taken, irrespective of when, the EP will have four months to address it (or choose not to address/amend the Common Position and therefore accept it as it is – as indicated in the co-decision procedure).”
Our, MAG/BMF position is still at present to withdraw the motorcycle part.
This has been a tactical move in the strategy, we may not have a chance to achieve this and have the motorcycle issue put back for open discussion, but it serves to highlight the issue and by using the demo can push that we have major concerns.
This does not mean that we have excluded ourselves from lobbying MEPs and discussions with the “legislators” and puts us in a strong position on not expecting the compromises.
A letter reminding MEPs on the success of the demo would not go amiss.
We will be publishing on the MAG website a short list of responses from MEPs and those that have not responded or still need to be contacted.
We are now discussing a mass lobby of parliament to further highlight the issue to Government and MPs.
Motorcycle Community in Europe
The FEMA Secretariat with ACEM and FIM have produced a lobby document on changing the compromises.
- It is unjustified because the rider is already licensed and has acquired enough experience (2 years).
- Represents an unnecessary and costly barrier actually discouraging riders from the progressive approach.
- Creates an additional burden for the national administrations.
- For these reasons, and specifically due to the absence of any benefit in terms of road safety, testing between A2 and A was cancelled in Germany and is not in use in any of the Member States.
Deletion of the upwards derogation for moped access age (17 and 18 years old).
We support the initial Commission proposal: AM 16 with derogation downward to 14, as also supported by the European Parliament in its first reading.
The flexibility – upwards to 18 – as established in the Luxembourg compromise is not justified and goes against the logic of progressive access to PTWs. There is no added value to institutionalise so wide potential disharmony because:
- Category AM/Mopeds are small vehicles limited to a maximum speed of 45 km/hr by construction, and almost all are equipped with automatic transmission therefore easy to use on a daily basis.
- AM vehicles are mostly used within the urban environment, facilitate individual mobility, they do not have parking problems and can play a major role in reducing urban congestion.
- Given the moderate costs (initial and maintenance) they are affordable means of transport (some of them cost less than 1000€) thus playing a social function and giving the younger generation and citizens with limited financial resources in particular, more educational and professional opportunities.
Limited flexibility as regards access ages.
We believe that there is too much flexibility left to Member States regarding access ages.
This flexibility should be eliminated for the sake of harmonisation and better enforcement.
This would further contribute to the completion of the internal market and ensure equality of treatment for all EU citizens. We think that access ages to A1, A2 and A categories should be set without derogation.
Therefore, we support A1 at 16, A2 at 18, thus linking it with the access age (18 years) for category B, and A (progressive) at 20. The Council Political Agreement of last October had set without exception (downward or upward) A2 at 18 both for progressive access and for direct access, as already harmonised by Second DL Directive (now transposed and in force in all Member States).
If the above was not acceptable by the Council due to persistent irreconcilable positions amongst Member States, we think that the higher harmonisation along the lines pursued by the Commission, could be achieved by at least doing away with the extreme option (A1 18, A2 20 and A 22) and allowing only one year flexibility hence A1 17, A2 19 and A21.
Category AM: Mopeds limited to a maximum speed of 45 km/h
Category A1: motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres, of a power not exceeding 11kW and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 01kW/kg.
Category A2: motorcycles, with or without a sidecar, of a power not exceeding 35kW, a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.
Category A: motorcycles with or without sidecar.
 But what we cannot comprehend, as set out in the table is saying what you do not support, what you recommend and the stating a compromise. You do not go to the negotiating table and show your full hand before you start.
The preferred license access position noise from the UK Government suggests they would not support 16 year olds on 125 cc machines and definitely not 14 year olds on mopeds as in other EU Countries.
One issue is that EU countries do not as the UK derogate downwards to 17 years, this is lost in the directive as is Direct Access moved upwards to 24 years.
Our stance is that harmonisation does not work, we could say we may be part of Europe but we are not European.
What will work in parts of Europe will not work in the UK, our licensing system is draconian enough as it is.
It is already a stepped access system based on age access, we do not need or want this forced on us from Europe.
Gerard Livett will be giving a presentation on the Driving license Directive and why we say no.
View Presentation http://greater-london.mag-uk.org/DLD3_files/frame.htm
Others
The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) in the UK have voiced their opinion on the economic impact of this directive which will have a seriously detrimental outcome in the UK for manufacturers, dealers, trainers and other sectors in the industry.
For example, Triumph Motorcycles is a significant player in the UK bike market and a large exporter to Europe of motorcycles over 650cc. Employing more than 1000 workers it is the last remaining UK-owned volume producer of motor vehicles.
The MCIA has also pointed out that the European Commission is attempting to reduce its excessive
bureaucratic activity by withdrawing 68 of the 183 directives which are currently under consideration.
The Commission argue that it will only propose legislation in the future that will add value.
The European Commission has identified three tests:
- Does this regulation have potentially adverse effects on competitiveness?
- Have impact assessments been carried out? Or is a more thorough impact assessment necessary?
- Does substantial new scientific evidence, market developments or societal changes justify a review of the approach chosen?
In all cases, the motorcycle aspects of the 3rd Driving License Directive fail these tests.
A fair point we think and well worth mentioning in the future.
Again please prevail on your Local Group Reps and members to lobby on this.
Bridge Demo
A protest ride out took place from the Tsunami Soiree to the Humber Toll Bridge, which charges £1.10 for motorcycles.
This followed on from a similar larger protest ride last year, despite intensive lobbying the Bridge Board have refused to move or even compromise on reducing or making the toll free for motorcycles.
The protest ride was only 30 motorcycles strong but we managed to create a large tail back and the interests of the police.
National Motorcycle Council (NMC)
The delivery of the Governments’ national motorcycle strategy is still progressing.
One of the original task forces on ‘Motorcycle Technical Engineering and Environmental Issues” is meeting in October.
The Motorcycle Strategy will be discussed focussing on:
Motorcycle Assessment, A-Pillars, Anti Theft, MAIDS, Braking Knowledge, Tyres, Daytime Lights, Helmet Fitting Mirrors, Diesel Spills, Noise, Emissions Performance Some old favourites in there which don’t seem to want to go away.
Mini Motor Bikes and Car Park Meets
The setting up of a working group to discuss and offer solutions to the problems of Mini Moto bikes and car park meets.
This is an issue that is making the headlines and politicians are picking up on.
The issue is seen as a “motorcycling” problem and motorcycling is being tarred with the same brush with the use of illegal “bikes” on the road and problems of them being ridden off road.
Car park meets has focused on young riders on their mopeds making a “nuisance” we already have had the police force the closure of some motorcycle meets.
There are plenty of examples of best practice offering a solution out there from Shan Tedder and MAG Sport Juniors (MAG Sport J) John Thomson, Southern Region on solving issues with a motorcycle meeting.
Some Councils and police forces have offered solutions instead of bans and heavy police enforcement.
Trevor saw the working group looking at issues, give advice on illegal/legal use and gather examples of best practice solutions.
Diesel Spills Rally
Attended the diesel spills rally from the Ace Café in London.
Heavily sponsored by the BMF the rally attracted over 2,500 riders on what turned out to be a very wet day.
They presented their second report to Government and will continue the campaign.
They have been invited to attend the ‘Motorcycle Technical Engineering and Environmental Issues” meeting.
www.killspills.org.uk
DfT Advertising
The DfT are producing a new campaign to follow on from their “Perfect Day” video.
This time the video will focus on car drivers and SMIDSY (www.smidsy.co.uk) accidents at junctions.
At the meeting we were presented with two draft scripts and the best one was a modernisation of the old Think Once Think Twice Think Bike campaign.
The media company engaged to carry out the work had completed an in depth look at the problems on the issue and definitely had done their homework, most impressive.
We will see the final script and the campaign is to be launched early next year for TV and Radio.
FEMA
I attended with fellow MAG FEMA representative Elaine Hardy (National Research Officer) the FEMA Executive and Full committee meeting in Brussels in October (and the August Executive meeting).
Being on the same day as the demo ride the decision was to have full representation at the FEMA meetings in October and we were joined by MAG Chairman Ian Moore.
With the divergence by the UK riders groups on the approach by the FEMA Secretariat regarding the License Directive the meetings were lively to say the least.
It was agreed overall that the UK organisations would call for the removal of the motorcycle part of the license directive while the Secretariat would continue its approach on lobbying and discussions.
Due to the importance of discussions at FEMA the FEMA President and General Secretary will be attending the National Committee meeting in October.
FEMA Policy and Mission Statements
Elaine has worked on the drafting of these with the working group within FEMA. These were presented to the full committee and they were asked to respond by the end of December for comments and necessary changes.
FEMA Oil Awareness Campaign
An awareness campaign to encouraging use of synthetic oil in 2-stroke engines.
This is tied up with emission directives and emission testing.
The FEMA Secretariat from their meetings on the issue stated that the European Commision (EC) confirmed that no legislation was necessary for new 2-stroke vehicles.
ACEM (European manufacturers’ representative) stated that production of these vehicles will continue in the future, although diminishing in numbers as more 4-stroke technology will be used.
According to the EC, the focus should be on older vehicles.
The FEMA awareness campaign in favour of the use of synthetic oils for 2-stroke engines was discussed and will at this stage be launched before the end of the year.
FEMA views the campaign as a contribution to the environment, which will also help old technology vehicles to continue being able to access city centres where this is becoming more difficult (e.g. Paris).
Anyone requiring more in depth information was urged to contact Trevor.
Infrastructure Strategy
Originally the goal was to use the FEMA ’Road to success’ on motorcycle friendly crash barriers within the institutions and parliament as a campaign focusing on the issue.
This was expanded by the FEMA Secretariat to include the whole road infrastructure within the work they complete in Europe.
- Improved and better maintained existing road infrastructure.
- All new road infrastructure and furniture to be developed and installed with PTWs in mind e.g. traffic calming humps and signage etc.
- Promote best practices for road construction and maintenance and to encourage the use of motorcycle friendly crash barriers and promote the regular updating of CEN standards – e.g. 1317.
- The adoption of the proposed directive aiming at harmonisation of the criteria for identifying “black spots”, and the means of making their presence known to users.
- The adoption of harmonised Community signs and motorist information taking into account the needs of all vulnerable road users.
- The adoption of a European legal framework to support safer road design & management which would establish which auditing procedures are required at the design , pre-opening and operational stages of roads to ensure they meet all safety standards; harmonise accident data collection and mapping to ensure road authorities, traffic engineers and road users share a common understanding of accident risk rates and casualty reduction potential; promote a European culture of safe road design, above all for vulnerable road users (cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians); and set up expert networks and common reporting mechanisms enabling “best in Europe” approaches to self explaining roads and forgiving roadsides.
It was agreed that the message from the ‘Road to Success’ should not be diluted and would be featured heavily in the strategy.
ACEM Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP) on MC safety
This project would aim at contributing to the objectives of the Road Safety Action Programme of halving the number of fatalities on EU roads, and specifically focus on technical and scientific research related to preventative safety (before a collision occurs).
The project will look at conspicuity, different coloured/angled headlights, using diode lights of different
colours and vehicle to vehicle communications ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), warning drivers and riders of approaching vehicles by sound or warning lights in or on vehicles.
FEMAs input would be to support the surveys undertaken amongst motorcyclists at the beginning and at the end of the project, through FEMA and member organisations willing to co-operate, with the aim of expressing the riders’ views on the proposed solutions within the project to enhance motorcyclists safety in a preventative way.
We mentioned that the organisations members that were surveyed should have access to the base data and expressed our concerns on this project and implications on MAGs position on electronic vehicle control and the compulsory use of lights.
This seems like a quick fix by industry to reach targets in the EU Road Safety Action Plan to reduce casualties by 50% by 2010.
Memorial Simon Milward
It was agreed to look into an award commemorating Simon Milward which would be presented to those who have served motorcycling and their community.
We already have the memorial ride organised by the South East Region but we need to firm up a decision for a possible award at the AGC and national promotion – support of the memorial ride.
Fiscal
Tested a tracking system from Retrieve called Boomerang
Visited sites for MAG at the Donnington GP.
Liaising on NEC show
Tied up advertising at the BSB at Cadwell Park.
Commercial aspects.
Usual day to day running of the office.
Trevor Baird
Director Of Public Affairs (MAG UK)
Tel: +44 (0)870 444 8 448
Fax: +44 (0)870 444 8 449
Email public-affairs@mag-uk.org
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