For some while now homogenisation of motorcycles sold in the EU has meant that we do not have the luxury of switching off headlamps during daylight hours. Despite any verifiable evidence that it is effective, the Highway Code and road safety organisations and, indeed, many motorcyclists advocate riding with dipped beam on during daylight hours anyway, so what’s the problem? Apart from that lack of any evidence that it works, that is.
Now, it seems, we will have no choice. An EU directive will be slipped under the radar using regulations under the Road Traffic Act to mandate what has become pretty much a defacto arrangement anyway. Likely as not, there will be little fuss because most riders do it anyway and many new bikes don’t give the rider the option.
The BMF Rider Magazine (sorry, no online version) is scathing about the way that this has been slipped in without any parliamentary discussion and rider groups have been largely ignored.
FEMA, MAG and the BMF have been taken by surprise at the speed with which this legislation is being enacted. The transport minister is effectively rubber stamping an arrangement that makes a recommendation in the Highway Code law with effect from January 1st 2013. The penalty for those who do not light up will be six points and a £60 fine.
The EU, doncha just luvvit?
Six points for forgetting to switch on your headlights? That’s a bit steep isn’t it?
Oh well, they’ll have lots of fun trying to enforce it if the UK Police force is cut further. There won’t be any coppers left out on patrol.
A legal challenge is surely in order?
Having done this, they will then proceed to do the same to cars, of course ….
And pedal cycles?
And Pedestrians?
Then yellow jackets for everyone?
I DID note however, that this is dated 1st April …
Um, errrr …….
Um, err, indeed 😉
XX Likely as not, there will be little fuss because most riders do it anyway XX
Hmm. JUST what I have always advocated. If ever rider that i have ever heard at some point, complaining about wearing a helmet, just told the bastards to fuck off, inserted the helmet in suitable orrifice of person trying to enforce it, and rode off without hlmet, within 12 months, the helmet law may not be “repealed, but any plod giving a ticket for it would be laughed out of the canteen and forced to comit Hari Kari on his fucking batton.
You get the laws you deserve people. DON’T complain like fuck afterwards, when they make something compulsory that you have always done, but “complained a bit about”.
1st April indeed, but don’t be surprised if you end up with something similar in future. After all, thanks to the EU, since February 2011 all new cars are required to have those silly daytime running lights. 😡
I think that the EU is already contemplating hi-vis for all. Ireland is about to make it law and France already has a law requiring a minimum 150 square centimeters of hi-vis.
Anyone concerned really should have a look round the MAG site. The EU are currently trying to introduce anti-bike regulations before the impact assessments have even been completed. The EP will be asked to vote on something that has not even been fully researched.