Once again the Spectre of the 3rd EU Directive on Driving Licences has arisen. As a member of the Federation of Small Businesses I attended, on behalf of 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff, a recent ‘Curry & Questions’ event. A ‘Question Time’ type of event, on the panel to answer member questions were, Clive Davenport (Federation of Small Businesses & Chair of the event), David Melding (Conservative Assembly Member for South Wales Central), Huw Lewis (Assembly Member for Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney), and Neil McEvoy (Deputy Leader of Cardiff County Council).
I was able to put to them a question relating to the impact that the 3rd EU Directive on Driving Licences will have on the Motorcycle Industry. I highlighted that changes to the Training & Testing System had already put pressure on the industry and this would have a major knock on effect on Sales, Servicing, Accessories etc etc. I highlighted the concern over the lack of suitable motorcycle test centres in Wales.
I asked what could be done to minimise the impact. The reply I got was both a little disappointing but also encouraging.
Disappointing in that none of the panel members were aware of the 3rd Eu Directive, or of it’s provisions and implications.
However I was given an invitation to attend the Welsh Assembly to discuss the matter further, and arrangements are being put in place to do this. I have been contacted by the Office of David Melding to confirm a date for the meeting.
If anyone in the industry wishes to forward to me a question on the matter I will do my best to put it forward for discussion and hopefully get an answer.
If anyone is in any doubt about the effect that the recent changes to the training and testing systems is already having, figures just released show a fall of 25% in the number of registrations of new motorcycles in the last quarter.
The beginning of The End? Lets hope not.
My thanks go to the Federation of Small Businesses for organising the event and to the panel members for giving up their time to answer FSB Member questions.