§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) motorcycle drivers and (b) pillion passengers have been killed in road accidents in England and Wales in each of the last three years. [51245]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe information requested is shown in the table.
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TWMV1 Fatalities: England and Wales: 1995–1997 Riders Passengers England 1995 363 23 1996 371 21 1997 410 27 Wales 1995 24 2 1996 17 2 1997 33 2 1Two Wheeled Motor Vehicle
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the issues raised at the special consultative meeting of motorcyclists at his Department on 25 November 1997. [52018]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe consultative meeting with representatives of motorcycle, environment and safety groups discussed all the transport aspects of motorcycling.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the role of commuter motorcycling as an aid to reducing pollution and congestion in urban areas. [52020]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe environmental and congestion implications of motorcycles are not clear cut. Much depends on the size of the motorcycle; whether the journeys are in addition to or a substitute for journeys previously made; and whether they substitute for journeys previously made by car, on foot, by bicycle or on public transport.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to establish a Motorcycle Strategy Group to consider the role of motorcycling within an integrated transport policy. [52038]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe White Paper 'A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone' (Cm 3950) announced that we would be setting up an advisory group to bring together motorcycle interests and other interested parties, to allow discussion of issues of concern to those who ride motorcycles and of the ways we can work together on policies, including encouraging further improvements in the safety and environmental impact of motorcycling.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the recent trends in accident deaths among motorcyclists aged over 25 years in rural areas. [52019]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson318 riders and passengers of two wheeled motor vehicles died on non built-up roads in 1998–20 per cent. more than in 1996. Deaths increased in all age groups 25 years and over except those aged 45–49 and 55–59. This increase is most disturbing and Departmental officials will be considering, with representatives of the motorcycle rider groups and industry, how these deaths and injuries can best be avoided.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of motorcycle accidents in urban areas are caused by other road users; and if he will assess ways of modifying the car driving test to take into account motorcycle awareness. [52025]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonInformation on the causation of injury road accidents is not yet collected on a national basis. We have introduced more questions in the driving theory test to increase awareness of vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists. We are also considering what improvements, if any, need to be made to the practical car driving test.
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§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make representations to the Corporation of London to introduce loading bays specifically for the use of motorcycle couriers in the City of London. [52022]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonNo. This is a matter for the City Corporation. We have issued Traffic Management and Parking Guidance for London which makes it clear that we expect the London authorities to consider the need for motorcyclists in developing their traffic management strategies.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the consultation document on amending the requirement for learner motorcyclists to face a one year ban if they fail to pass their motorcycle riding test within two years of receiving their provisional licence. [52021]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe shall be publishing a Consultation Paper shortly.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the North Yorkshire Police Bikesafe 2000 scheme. [51973]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonMy Department has not made a formal assessment of the North Yorkshire Bikesafe 2000 scheme.