SCORES of Winchester and Eastleigh motorcyclists yesterday joined a protest against new European Union rules.

Members of Winchester Motorcyle Action Group and colleagues from Eastleigh too part in the ride along the M3, M27 and A31 on Sunday.

Organizers estimated the numbers taking part at around 1,000 people. Several hundred scooterists also protested in a separate run along the M27.

Mark Young, treasurer for Winchester MAG, which meets at the New Queens Head pub in Stanmore, said: “Thanks are due to the police escort who did a grand job of making sure we were able to join the motorway safely in a group, and ensured our safety covering the back end of the run.”

Meanwhile Basingstoke MAG organized a run down to Winchester.

Nationally organizers say 40,000 took part in the demonstrations against new rules which limit motorcylists’ rights to modify and service their machines.

Mr Young said: “There is no evidence which shows owner maintenance as a causal factor effect in accidents, so this is really a most unwarranted intrusion into motorcycle ownership.

“Motorcyclists take the matter of maintenance extremely seriously - far more than any car driver. Our lives depend on it! and many of us prefer to trust our own maintenance skills than trust an unknown mechanic.”