A pioneering new Government motorcycle helmet safety rating schemewhich could save the lives of 50 riders a year was officially launched today byRoad Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

In a world first, SHARP - the Safety Helmet Assessment and RatingProgramme - will give an independent rating of how much protection a helmet canprovide in an impact. Helmets will be rated from 1 to 5 stars depending howwell they perform in our laboratory tests.

All helmets on sale in the UK must offer the wearer a minimum levelof protection, but tests show there are real differences in safety performance.SHARP's objective advice, based on rigorous testing, will help riders choose asafer helmet by measuring the extent to which a helmet exceeds the minimumstandards.

Speaking at the Road Safety Expo 07 in London today, Road SafetyMinister Jim Fitzpatrick said:

"Our research indicates that even though all helmets have toreach a minimum legal standard, safety performance can vary by as much as 30%.The SHARP scheme being officially launched today will allow riders to select asafer helmet on the basis of a simple star rating system.

"This is a vital step forward. Motorcyclists are one of thesingle most vulnerable groups on GB roads today. They account for just 1% ofall road traffic, but for 20% of all those killed or seriously injured. Weestimate that if all riders wore helmets that scored well in our rating system,the SHARP scheme could save up to 50 lives a year."

During his speech, Jim Fitzpatrick also announced the launch ofthe Driving Standard Agency's Enhanced Rider Scheme. This is aimed at enhancingthe road safety skills of the motorcycle and scooter riders already on theroads. The Agency has been working with the motorcycle industry to devise a newtraining package for the benefit of all riders with a full motorcycle licence.Those who pass the Enhanced Rider Scheme will get a certificate that will putthem in line for discounts on their insurance.

The first SHARP results are expected to be available next Spring,with the majority of helmets on the market tested before the end of 2008. Earlyresults show that good performance is not restricted to premium price helmets.