Performance mods set to be banned
Department for Transport say making engine or ECU tweaks could become a criminal offence
THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP is encouraging motorcyclists to respond to proposals from the Department for Transport (DFT) that would restrict owners from modifying their bikes. Under the proposed changes, it would be a crime to ‘tamper’ with ‘a system, part or component of a vehicle intended or adapted to be used on a road’.
“I was expecting the lack of motorcycle focus in policies for the charging infrastructure, but the anti-tampering proposals came as a real sucker punch,” says Colin Brown, MAG’S Director of Campaigns and Political Engagement.
The reasons are two-fold: as well as ensuring emissions stay the same through a vehicle’s life, the DFT understandably want to make sure people can’t tamper with autonomous vehicles. Currently there is no test for a bike’s emissions once it leaves the factory, which presents a headache for low-emissions schemes.
Clearly, if a bike has an aftermarket exhaust or has had the catalytic converter removed, charcoal canister binned or a full remap, its emissions could potentially exceed the emissions limits, even if it complies on paper.
If the new laws happen, the move could seriously affect the bike industry, taking income from the aftermarket firms, dyno operators and bike shops as well as potentially criminalising motorcyclists for tweaking their bikes.
MAG is opening direct talks with the DFT but says that bikers need to make it clear how unimpressed they are with these suggestions so that DFT engages seriously. The consultation is short, too; the closing date is November 22, so quick action is imperative. You can respond directly here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ ETVHG5/
‘These proposals came as a real sucker punch’ COLIN BROWN, MAG