AN alarming sixty percent of motorcycles on Majorca examined by the Island Council, would not pass an official vehicle inspection; and 23.77 percent are the cause of legally unacceptable noise levels.
The findings are the result of a campaign launched across 32 municipalities this summer.
Regional minister for Economy and Tax, Miguel Angel Flaquer, and Economy director, Cristina Cerdó, said yesterday that the project was carried out on a voluntary basis in order to obtain information and did not have the power to impose fines for vehicles which were not up-to-scratch.
Tests consisted of analysing noise levels and the general state of 871 motorcycles.
The research was carried out in July and August after recognition that the high level of noise produced by some motor vehicles, especially motorcycles, were caused by technical tampering aimed at providing the vehicle with greater power.
The investigation has special relevance now, following the announcement of a forthcoming central government law which, as of next year, will oblige all owners of vehicles with engines more powerful than 49 cc, to pass a technical inspection to secure Council of Majorca documentary approval. The study concluded that 60 percent of motorcycles examined would fail an MOT.
The report affirms: Technical tampering with vehicles is the order of the day; parts are easily added or removed.
Many unauthorised items are illegally sold for this purpose, but the practice is accepted by the users. The study also reveals that 23.77 percent of vehicles examined produce noise levels above the legal limit, creating serious noise pollution. The report claims: Generally, the vehicles which make the most noise are those where most spare parts have been added (exhaust pipes, wing mirrors, crowbars, etc).
A positive side of the research, however, showed that in 76.23 percent of cases, noise levels were acceptable.
In the report, the Council of Majorca highlighted the fact that currently there are no clear guidelines on fining or prohibiting these vehicles from using the roads. Such motorcycles tend to make short journeys in built-up areas.
Consequently, the Council applauds the central government ruling on technical inspection, which, it hopes, will recuperate some quality of life for town dwellers.
A further campaign entitled Success will aim to raise public-awareness on the nuisance caused by high noise levels from motorcycles.