Swann opposes motorcycle front number plates

With the Victorian government’s plans to introduce front license plates to motorcycles, Swann Insurance – Australia's leading provider of motorcycle insurance – believe there is no evidence to justify the introduction of front plates and support calls to oppose any legislation.

‘Modern motorcycles are simply not designed to display front plates, and the introduction of a metal bracket above the headlamp introduces the potential for some bikes to become unstable and subsequently crash.  The addition of front number plates also has the potential to cause injuries to pedestrians if hit by a motorcycle’, says Robert McDonald, Head of Swann Insurance Research Centre.

‘Curtailing speeding motorcyclists has been cited as the major reason for the introduction of front plates.  There is no evidence based studies to support the claim that speed is the major factor in a motorcycle crash.  Research suggests the leading cause of accidents is poor braking and cornering, not having crash avoidance space, plus other drivers failing to give way.’

Mr McDonald continues, ‘Front number plates were removed from motorcycles at the end of 1980 because research at the time showed that they were a risk to pedestrians.  From 1981 they were no longer required for both new and used motorcycles and owners were encouraged to remove them by the state-based registration authorities.’

The proposal is the result of a draft regulatory impact statement prepared by VicRoads who state that approximately 49 per cent of motorcycles detected speeding are not identified due to the lack of front number plates.

In addition, the VicRoads statement claims that there will be up to a four per cent reduction in motorcycle road trauma as a result of the addition of front plates.  This decrease is expected to occur as motorcyclists must obey speed restrictions – otherwise face the increased risk of being caught and identified by a speed camera.  If approved, the scheme is likely to be introduced nationally.

Stuart Chapman, General Manager – Swann Insurance, predicts a substantial rise in claims associated with damage to front fenders (mud guards) as a result of the introduction of front plates.

‘If front plates are mounted on the fender it will increase the likelihood of damage to this panel from a fall and could also reduce cooling airflow to the engine, risking engine damage. Should this occur it will no doubt result in more claims, increasing the cost to policy holders.’

Mr McDonald adds, ‘There are also discussions about the use of a decal sticker (instead of metal plates); however, many bikes will not have the bodywork to allow for its placement. The use of a decal on either the screen or the bodywork will require the replacement of the decal in relatively minor damage situations such as a bike falling off a stand, and therefore, increase repair costs and potentially affect premiums.’

VicRoads estimates the initial fit-out – expected to be introduced in 2009 – will cost $22.1 million, $13.5 million of which will be funded by road authorities and the remainder by motorcycle owners. An additional $10 million is also expected to be spent promoting the scheme.