New Motorcycle emissions limits

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Eamonn Townsend

New Motorcycle emissions limits

Post by Eamonn Townsend »

European Commission demonstrates common sense

Strasbourg 14th February 2001, Plenary Session.

The European Parliament (EP) voted in favour of the proposed amendments by Rapporteur Bernd Lange on the next stages of reducing emissions of motorcycles. This means stricter measures than the ones included in the original proposal of the European Commission (EC), and includes provisions for in use compliance checks.

Considered opposition came from the EC during the debate preceeding the vote. The Commissioner Erkki Liikanen, expressed his disagreement on the second stage limits being mandatory rather than indicative, arguing that a specific test cycle for motorcycles had not yet been finalised. On the secondary measures, and particularly the in-use compliance, he reminded that cars and motorcycles are not comparable and that a specific methodology should be developed for two-wheelers.

Bernd Lange appears to have somewhat softened his approach, recognising that, while he thinks that motorcycle limits should be close to those for cars, no direct comparison can be made between bike and car standards. He also said that the car test cycle should only be used if the new worldwide test cycle was not finalised on time.

FEMA was present in Strasbourg and, from the discussions with Parliament members, it seems that the position of the EP is far from being unanimous. The positive vote for the Lange Report puts the EP in a better position for further negociation with the Council of Ministers, who is expected to consider the proposal at the end of March.

As previously stated, FEMA thinks that the original proposal from the Commission is a realistic and acceptable one. With its member organisations, FEMA is now seeking to influence national governments, with the objective of ensuring that Council's position is supportive of the Commission's proposals.

FEMA will also follow up the offer made by Bernd Lange to meet with Members of the European Parliament, the Industry and the users in order to see if an agreed position can be reached between the different parties.
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