DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (043) issued by The Government News Network
on 8 May 2007
The Government is
seeking a review of the European regulations for quadricycles
after initial tests of their safety performance, following their
growth in popularity as a more environmentally friendly
alternative to cars.
Current safety standards, set at European level, were established
at a time when it was never envisaged that this type of product
would be used as a mainstream road vehicle.
The Department for Transport began simulated impact tests once
this growth in popularity had been determined. The vehicle tested
passed all the European requirements applicable to quadricyles,
but when it was subjected to the same impact test expected of
normal cars serious safety concerns were highlighted.
Roads Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman said:
"The safety regulations that govern this type of vehicle
were designed at a time when it was thought they would cover
four-wheeled motorcycles and some small, specialised commercial
vehicles. Not city run-abouts that resemble small cars.
"But, given increasing environmental concerns, new vehicles
that qualify as quadricycles have come to the market and are
becoming more popular for urban use. Therefore it is right that we
reconsider the regulations for this type of vehicle and whether
safety regulations should be made more stringent.
"Now we have the initial findings of our tests we will be
taking this up with the European Commission and manufacturers, and
will publish more information when the full programme of tests is complete".
The Department for Transport will carry out further tests on
another make of quadricycle to help its discussions with the
European Commission, and is now in urgent contact with the
relevant manufacturers. Once the full analysis is complete
further information will be made available.
Notes to Editors
1. A "quadricycle" is a vehicle with four wheels whose
unladen mass is not more than 400kg (excluding batteries if it is
an electric vehicle) and whose maximum continuous rated power does
not exceed 15 kW.
2. The occupant protection is assessed by a frontal impact test
where the vehicle is propelled into a deformable barrier (to
simulate striking another vehicle) at a velocity of 56 kmh (~35
mph). The impact takes place at a 40% overlap with the barrier and
is concentrated on the driver's side of the vehicle.
The
Department is scheduled to test two quadricycles. The first test,
which involved a REVA G-Wiz electric vehicle, has taken place.
3. Construction standards for quadricycles are harmonised at
European level, the main instrument being European Parliament and
Council Directive 2002/24/EC - the Framework Directive. This
Directive requires compliance with a number of individual
Directives that set out requirements for particular vehicle
systems; brakes, lighting, wheels, etc.
These harmonised requirements are recognised by all 27 Member
States of the European Community and once the vehicle is approved
to the standards of the Directive by any member state the
manufacturer has access to all 27 markets.
For quadricycles, as opposed to passenger cars, there are no
requirements for occupant protection tests.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk