HL Deb 07 March 1991 vol 526 cc1491-2

3.20 p.m.

Lord Nugent of Guildford asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many provisional driving licences for motor cyclists are now extant, and how long is the average period of the provisional licence.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

My Lords, at 2nd April 1990, the latest date for which figures are available, there wore over 550,000 provisional licences containing motor cycle entitlement. The entitlement lasts for two years. In addition, about 31 million full licence holders have provisional motor cycle entitlement.

Lord Nugent of Guildford

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that very informative Answer. The 31 million figure which he mentioned is new to me. It indicates, I imagine, that all normal driving licences carry a motor cycle licence with them. However, to turn to the figure of 550,000, is my noble friend aware of the vulnerability of these young teenage motor cyclists? The figure for injuries and accidents in respect of them is six times higher than that which applies to older motor cyclists. Is he satisfied that the machinery available is adequate to call up provisional licences when the two-year provisional period expires in order to ensure that, if the person concerned has not taken a test and received a full licence, they start again and take a proper off-street test?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

Yes, my Lords, I and the department are especially aware of the vulnerability of young motor cyclists. That is why, as my noble friend is aware, we have recently introduced the compulsory basic training as the first part of the two-part test. If a new provisional licence holder fails to pass his test within the two-year period, he is then off the road for a year and has to start the process all over again.

The Viscount of Falkland

My Lords, is it not, nevertheless, important to bear in mind that motor cycle accidents overall have now been on the decline for 10 years? In fact, the Government's target for the year 2000 of cutting motor cycle accidents by 40 per cent. is well on the way to achievement whereas the aim to cut motor car accidents by a third is sadly way off target.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I believe it is generally recognised that young motor cyclists are especially vulnerable. Although the figures have shown some signs of improvement, it is also true to say that the number of motor cyclists has decreased. Therefore, I do not think that we should draw too much comfort from the decline. I am sure that the new compulsory basic training arrangements will assist.

Baroness Phillips

My Lords, I must be an exception to the rule just mentioned having been knocked down by a motor cyclist during the past two years. Will the Government consider introducing more careful training for dispatch riders who tempt fate at all times, not only in relation to themselves but also in relation to other drivers and pedestrians?

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

They are a menace!

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, the issue of dispatch riders arises every time we deal with motor cyclists in this House. I am not surprised; they are indeed a problem. However, I would not go so far as to say, as the noble Lord just said, that they are a menace. They are subject to the same rules which apply to every other motorist or motor cyclist. I hope that those rules are rigorously enforced.