§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the Driving Standards Agency circular letter to all registered keepers of two-wheeled motor vehicles up to 125cc, dated November 1996, advising them that learners must obtain a compulsory basic training certificate by 1 January 1997; and what assessment he has made of whether the time provided allows a reasonable time for learners to complete the necessary training course. [10331]
§ Mr. BowisWe have received about 350 letters and a number of telephone calls since the DSA letter to registered keepers of small motorcycles and mopeds was issued. The change to motorcycle training rules was first announced in August 1995, giving 11 months before the planned date of implementation on 1 July 1996. In March 1996 we deferred implementation until 1 January 1997 to give more time for publicity to reach those affected and for them to take training under the existing rules. The DSA has been publicising the change using leaflets and the media and the November letter to individuals was intended as a final reminder.
The strong demand for training courses during the autumn indicates that the message about the need for training was reaching people. We appreciate that there has nevertheless been a rush to take training courses from those who missed the earlier publicity or had left matters until the last moment and we understand that motorcycle training bodies are endeavouring to meet the demand for courses.