§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to reduce the excessive noise caused by inadequately silenced motor cycles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am very conscious of the disturbance caused by motor cycles with inadequate exhaust systems. For new motor cycles we have just brought in lower maximum noise limits which apply to most machines made after 1 October 1982. But replacement exhaust systems are available which are much less effective than the manufacturer's original equipment. It is these inadequate replacement systems which result in much of the excessive noise about which the public rightly complain.
The Department has been examining this problem with the Motor Cycle Association and I am pleased to say that work has now started under the auspices of the British Standard Institution to prepare a standard for replacement exhaust systems. This will affect their internal design. and should not result in any significant increases in cost or constraints on external styling.
When the standard is completed we shall bring forward regulations to ensure that all replacement systems sold in this country conform with it.
I am sure that this new control will be welcome to the public at large and that all those responsible people involved with motor cycling—both manufacturers an riders—will accept it as necesary in the general interest.