The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a public consultation, seeking the views of all interested parties on the development of proposals to regulate certain components placed on the market and fitted to motor vehicles, trailers and motorcycles in Ireland.

In order to curtail the possible supply and fitment of non-approved or sub-standard components to the national fleet, the RSA is proposing initially, that three categories of components are selected for further consideration, due to their direct impact on safety and the environment.

These components are:
Brake linings - Poor quality brake linings may fail or under perform in an emergency situation;
Coupling devices - A poorly designed or manufactured coupling which fails may result in catastrophic consequences for the vehicle driver and other road users;
Exhaust silencers – Replacement exhaust silencing systems, which do not perform in line with the vehicles original specifications may cause excessive noise pollution.

The consultation proposes that all replacement brake linings, exhaust silencers and couplings placed on sale are either OE, or that they are approved replacements to EC or UNECE standards (thereby “e” or “E” marked). There may be exemptions from these requirements, for example, for older vehicles.

The RSA is interested to hear from stakeholders, including those involved in the manufacture and distribution of vehicle components, road users and other members of the public. The consultation document “Consultation on Selected Vehicle Components”, sets out Ireland’s current legislation with regard to motor vehicle components and puts forward proposals to strengthen these provisions. Feedback from this consultation may be incorporated into policy development and legislation.

The consultation document may be viewed on the RSA’s website at the following location:  rsa.ie/Active-Consultations were you will also find details of making a submission.