Motorcycle Insurance

A member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Scottish National Party has claimed that new EU legislation is unfairly penalising young motorcyclists.

Ian Hudghton has criticised the third European directive on driver licences for creating an age bar on riding high-power bikes, saying that it will prevent young bikers with plenty of experience from using them but not inexperienced older bikers.

He made his objections ahead of a planned meeting with a delegation from the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), as well as backing its stance on the topic and saying that he will be interested to canvas its representatives' opinions.

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Mr Hudghton commented: "It's right that the BMF should be involved in shaping legislation which will likely impact on their members.

"Their contribution to the debate will prove invaluable to MEPs and I'm looking forward to having an informative discussion with them tomorrow to see what I can do to ensure that motorcyclists get a fair deal."

Another objection Mr Hudghton raised to the age bar was that there was no equivalent legislation in place to similarly stop young drivers from graduating onto a high-powered 4x4 or sports car straight after obtaining their license.

He added that he would be interested in listening to BMF regarding its criticism of the EU's calls for the prohibition of bikes with a specification above 650cc.

07/01/09 - Test consultation deadline approaching. Bikers have only a few days left to register their views on the proposed new motorcycling test.

07/01/09 - Bus lane change 'will make roads safer'. The decision to open London's bus lanes to motorbikes has been warmly welcomed by a motorcycling pressure group.

06/01/09 - Bike deaths fall in Northern Ireland. While the number of bike deaths fell in Northern Ireland last year, there are more things motorcyclists can do to remain safe on the roads, according to a superintendant.

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