HC Deb 05 August 1971 vol 822 cc441-3W
Mr. John D. Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the figures showing that 3,300 people were motor cycles or scooters are the first accident figures, by age range, presented killed or seriously injured last year in accidents involving 16-year-old riders of by his Department in relation to motor cyclists and scooter riders only, excluding moped riders; how this figure was compiled; how this figure compares with similarly based statistics for motor cyclists and scooter riders only in the individual age categories 17, 18, 19 and 20 years; and if statistics have been compiled relating only to scooter riders.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Figures relating to accidents involving 16-year-old riders of motor cycles or scooters only have not previously been published. The figure of 3,300 fatal and serious casualties is based on analyses of the routine accident report form completed by the police. Precise figures are not readily available for other ages on the basis asked for; but it is estimated that casualties in accidents involving 17-year-old riders were about the same as for the 16-year-old group. The comparable figures for the other age-groups were substantially lower. Separate figures on this basis are not readily available for scooter riders.

Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to lay an order making regulations governing the minimum age for holding a licence to drive any motor cycle other than a moped; and what consultations he is having in the meantime with interested organisations, with special reference to the British Motorcyclists' Federation.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) in view of the fact that experience rather than age is the major factor in road accidents involving young drivers, what increase is anticipated in the number of accidents involving 17-year-old riders when the minimum age for riding motor cycles is raised to 17 years;

(2) if he is satisfied that the Road Research Laboratory estimates of accidents in relation to vehicle mileage, particularly those relating to motor cycle group vehicles, are accurate; and what steps he proposes to take to verify them;

(3) what special statistical researches he is undertaking into accidents involving other age-groups of road users, similar to those made of 16-year-old motor cyclists;

(4) from which sources he drew his statistics for accidents involving 16-year-old motor cyclists, quoted in his Press Notice 429 of 6th July, 1971; and whether these sources are available for public reference;

(5) what social or psychological studies of young motor cyclists have been undertaken by his Department in the last five years.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I will write to the hon. Member.