Young motorcyclists are to be restricted from riding more powerful bikes under new driver-licensing regulations which come into effect today.
Until now anyone who was 18 and held a full A1 licence (restricted to motorcycles up to 125 cc) could apply for a provisional A licence and would have been entitled to ride any size of motorcycle.
Under the new regulations, the requirement to hold an A1 licence will be dropped, but those applying for an A licence will have to be 18. But provisional A licence-holders will be restricted to riding bikes with engines up to 25KW, which means machines in the 300 cc to 550 cc range. This restriction will remain for two years after a full A licence has been issued.
Ireland has the second-highest motorcycle accident fatality rate in the EU. There were 68 motorcyclists killed in 1997, or 27.8 deaths per 10,000. This compared to 219 car deaths, or 1.9 deaths per 10,000 motorists.
The Automobile Association's public affairs manager, Mr Conor Faughnan, welcomed the measures, which he said were designed to prevent young riders from using the more powerful bikes.
The new regulations are being introduced to comply with a 1991 EU directive. Other changes include revisions of the physical and mental criteria for driver-licensing. The current requirement that a driver with epilepsy has to go for two years without an attack before he can apply for a licence is being amended to one year.
The eye test standard for drivers of goods and larger vehicles (C1, C, €1 and E licence-holders) is being increased, while restrictions for drivers with cardiovascular problems are being tightened, and patients diagnosed with such problems should consult their doctors before renewing their licences.
The curbs on diabetics being licensed to drive larger vehicles is also being eased.
As part of the regulations aimed at bringing the Republic into line with other EU states, medical reports will be required for applicants for all goods and heavy vehicles. They will also have to have a car licence before applying for any higher-category licences.
While the AA was satisfied with the new regulations, Mr Faughnan said, it was disappointed that no step was being taken by the Department of the Environment to tackle the backlog of applications for driving licences.
There were currently 100,000 applicants awaiting a test and a further 380,000 provisional drivers on the roads.