TRL, the transport safety research firm formerly known as the Transport Research Laboratory, has been contracted by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to implement a new safety testing programme targeting ‘grey market’ motorcycle helmets. The initiative is designed to crack down on helmets sold outside traditional retail channels, particularly those marketed via social media platforms and other online outlets.
These alternative sales channels have exposed buyers to unscrupulous sellers offering helmets that are counterfeit, untested to UK statutory standards, or not genuine motorcycle protective equipment. The proliferation of such products poses a serious risk to rider safety and undermines industry compliance.
Ross Clark-Raee, safety testing lead at TRL, said: “This work is looking specifically at marketplaces that are less regulated and less established, and is particularly looking at helmets that are being sold under the pretence of being certified, yet there remains a doubt as to whether they are.”
Under the new contract, TRL will work alongside the DVSA and Trading Standards to identify dangerous, illegal, and unsuitable helmets being distributed by rogue traders. This follows a successful pilot scheme by TRL that has already contributed to prosecutions. “A couple of years ago, we undertook a smaller-scale investigation,” said Clark-Raee. “While I can’t share specifics due to ongoing investigations, I can confirm our work has contributed towards successful prosecutions.”
The new scheme is separate from, and in addition to, TRL’s ongoing projects such as the SHARP testing scheme, which provides consumers with valuable information on the crash protection performance of individual helmet models. At its Wokingham facility, TRL operates advanced testing equipment, including 10m drop rigs, high-speed data acquisition systems, calibrated instrumentation, and specialist analysis software. This allows it to test suspect lids to the appropriate ECE standards and help the DVSA and the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) identify non-compliant products.