OFF-ROAD REGISTRATION:
02 November 2006 - Retail Motor Industry Federation

‘USING A SLEDGEHAMMER TO CRACK A NUT,’ SAYS MRA

‘A *proposal for all motorcycles to carry a number plate, whether used on-road or not – to help address concerns surrounding the illegal use of mini and toy bikes on public roads – is an over-the-top solution to a problem that police already have powers to deal with,’ said Mike Owen, head of the RMI Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA), part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

He continued: ‘Every motorcycle can already be identified by its own unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Since 1994, following consultation with the police and industry bodies – including the RMI Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA) - the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has introduced a voluntary scheme to register off-road motorcycles. In 1996, this was extended to all mechanically propelled off-road vehicles not built for road use. The existence of this scheme is ample reassurance for the motorcycle industry in its fight against illegal riding, as well as for those wanting to buy and sell off-road vehicles legitimately.

‘Calling for the introduction of compulsory registration - with actual number plates - is an over-reaction to an age-old problem: we believe it is simply not necessary.’

Owen ended: ‘Legitimate off-road sport, whether two or four wheel - as this proposal would have to embrace both - would be subjected to unwelcome intervention, as well as an extra layer of costly bureaucracy. The solution lies in the industry continuing to raise the profile of the voluntary scheme - which the MRA will certainly do via its members - and working with the police to identify those riders who continue to flout the law, by increased education and the introduction of properly controlled off-road riding sites.’

www.rmif.co.uk

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