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Lobbying Times on Euro Trash
Thanks to all those who supported the urgent E Mail Army request to lobby their MEP’s on the Third European Driving Licence Directive vote in the European Parliament on 23rd February.
All seventy eight UK MEPs were sent a joint message from the motorcycling community in the UK, the Motorcycle Action Group, British Motorcyclists Federation, Motorcycle Retailers Association, Motorcycle Rider Training Association, BMF Rider Training Scheme and the Motorcycle Industry Association, supporting the position and amendments tabled to the directive in Europe by FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations), FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and ACEM, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe.
This was a huge broad side from the guns of European motorcycling that the directive contained flawed motorcycle proposals which would be ineffective in harmonizing testing and licences across the EU, leading to restricting access to motorcycling for both young and new riders.
Our bottom line was that the directive would not enhance road safety for Powered Two Wheelers (motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.) and that if the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament are unable or cannot agree to the initial proposal of the European Commission, then the present legislation regarding access to Powered Two Wheelers, as defined under the Second Driving Licence directive (2000/56/EC) should be maintained (due for implementation in 2008).
As we go to press we wait the outcome of the vote and at the very least the directive should go back to EU transport ministers for discussion.
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