Tamper proof?
Just as last month's edition went to press the Government announced it was to consult on proposals to instigate ‘anti tampering' legislation. If enacted this would make it an offence to supply, fit or use equipment that would tamper with a motor vehicle's systems, specifically those connected with security, the environment and road safety.
This legislation's intended to create a safe operating environment for driverless cars and on the face of it appears benign. Anything that stops thieving scum overriding factory-fitted security has to be welcomed and given the state of our environment there's no moral argument to make about interfering with anti-pollution measures. It's the ‘road safety' aspect that has caused most concern.
Again, it's common sense that once a manufacturer has spent a fortune researching brake systems they're probably the best available at the time. However the logical extension of the ‘safety' argument is that only factory-fitted equipment, or a direct equivalent, can be considered safe. This opens the door for some sort of regulatory approval scheme, like Germany's TUV, where only approved aftermarket parts and modifications are allowed. The problem with that type of regulation is that the certification process is prohibitively expensive. In effect everyone, from home mechanics to insurance companies, will be tied into fitting ‘original parts'. If the legislation's framed in that way we'll all face increased servicing costs, higher insurance premiums and potentially see the death of the independent garage.
While it's unlikely that any of this legislation will apply retrospectively (try getting factory specifications for an Ld125) the potential harm of these proposals can't be underestimated.
The consultation's now closed but it's not too late to contact your MP. Don't bang on about your artistic freedom to build a cut-down chopper, that won't win the argument. Instead point out the potential effects on small workshops and ultimately the economy. If there's one thing MPs don't like it's being seen to put people out of work. Particularly if they're invited to look voters in the eyes and explain why.
This is a fast-moving topic and once again our press date's conspired against us. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has been lobbying hard on this topic and is expecting a formal response in early December. We'll keep you posted both in print and online but the best source of reliable information will be through MAG's various social media accounts.