HC Deb 24 June 1974 vol 875 c349W
Mr. MacFarlane

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if there has been a decline in the rate of fatalities to motor cyclists since the introduction of compulsory crash helmets; and if he will categorise any statistics within the following sizes: 50 cc, 125 cc and 250 cc.

Mr. Carmichael

Mandatory wearing of safety helmets by riders and passengers of two-wheeled motor vehicles was introduced on 1st June 1973 but as riders may have taken a few weeks to observe fully the new regulations the following table gives a reliable comparison:

Two-wheeled Motor Vehicles: Death: Great Britain
Period (4 months) Deaths
July-Oct. 1973 276
July-Oct. 1972 299

Because of the crisis situation in November and December of 1973 and the first few months of 1974, these months have been excluded from the analysis.

No information is available on fatal casualties by engine size.

Forward to