§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what are the limits of noise levels allowed for motor cycles; and what steps he is taking to secure compliance with the current levels;
(2) if he will introduce legislation to stop the activities of motor cycle repair shops that fit silencer modifications or conversions that do not meet the legal requirements for noise suppression;
(3) what is the level for noise emissions by motor cycles; and when and how this was determined;
(4) what discussions he has had with his colleagues in the Council of Transport Ministers of European Economic Community in regard to reducing motor cycle noise, aircraft noise and lorry noise; and if he will make a statement;
(5) what discussions he has had with police authorities in regard to seeking to reduce the problem of motor cycle noise; and if he will make a statement;
(6) what steps he is taking to reduce the levels of noise emissions from motor cycles;
(7) when he last met representatives of motor cycle manufacturers to discuss the reduction of noise emissions from motorcycles.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe current maximum noise limits for new motor cycles were laid down by European Community Directive 78/1015/EEC and are as follows:
dB(A) Up to 80 cc 78 80 to 125 cc 80 125 to 350 cc 83 350 to 500 cc 85 Over 500 cc 86 Discussions are currently taking place in the Community on Commission proposals for reducing these limits; details are given in explanatory memorandum 9148/84. Tighter limits for new lorries were agreed in 1984 and will take effect in 1989 and 1990. There are already two directives on the limitation of aircraft noise and any further Commission initiatives will be examined carefully.
Regulations were made in 1984 to require any silencer or exhaust fitted to a motor cycle first used on or after 1 January 1985 to be marked to show its compliance with British Standard BS AU 193: 1983. This should encourage manufacturers, repairers and dealers to supply and fit only components which fully meet the noise requirements.
We receive many complaints from the general public and from hon. Members about motor cycle noise. There are also letters from motor cyclists who are needlessly worried by reports in the motor cycle press that the new noise limits being discussed in Europe would make it impossible to manufacture air-cooled machines.
We have regular contact with the organisations concerned including the National Motorcycle Council, which represents motor cycle manufacturers and other groups concerned with motor cycling. My hon. Friend the Minister responsible for roads and traffic met the council's secretary on 10 July.
Officials of the Department have held discussions with the Association of Chief Police Officers about the difficulties in enforcing noise requirements on motorcycles in use, particularly where riders deliberately tamper with their machines. There is no easy solution to this problem.