§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the minimum age for a child to ride as a pillion passenger on a motor cycle; and if he will make a statement. [94686]
§ Mr. HillThere is no minimum age for a child to ride as a pillion passenger on a motor cycle. The decision remains with the rider, who is legally responsible for ensuring that the child is safely supported. Existing legislation places a number of controls on the carrying of pillion passengers.
These legislative requirements, by their nature, restrict the carrying of children as pillion passengers unless that can be undertaken safely.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children have been(a) killed and (b) seriously injured in 670W road traffic accidents riding pillion on motor cycles in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [94685]
§ Mr. HillThe information requested is shown in the following table:
Child twmv1 pillion passengers killed or seriously injured: GB 1994–98
Casualties Severity Year Killed Seriously injured Total 1994 2 54 56 1995 0 46 46 1996 1 51 52 1997 3 48 51 1998 0 34 34 1 Two wheeled motor vehicles; including motorcycles combinations, mopeds and motor scooters.