§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress towards better integration of motorcycles into overall transport planning. [24161]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Government recognise that motorcycles have a part to play in a national transport strategy. My Department is actively seeking to include them in all relevant transport planning and policy documents.
The Government's White Paper on the Future of Transport, "A New Deal for Transport: Better For Everyone", recognised that mopeds and motorcycles can provide an alternative means of transport for many trips. It acknowledged that where public transport is limited and walking unrealistic, motorcycling can provide an affordable alternative to the car, bring benefits to the individual and widen their employment opportunities.
Our Guidance on Full Local Transport Plans built on this. It stated that local authorities should take account of the contribution powered two wheelers can make in delivering integrated transport policies and should consider specific measures to assist motorcyclists in making integrated journeys. Indeed, it advised that all relevant aspects of LTPs—including road safety, planning and social policies—should take account of the needs of motorcyclists.
The Government's 10-Year Plan for transport highlighted advantages of motorcycles over cars and the Government's Planning Policy Guidance, which concerns planning as applied to land use and transport, also includes references to motorcycling. It recognises a role for motorcycles as an alternative to the car, particularly where public transport is limited and walking unrealistic, and advises local authorities to consider such measures as appropriate motorcycle parking and the inclusion of motorcycles in park and ride schemes.
§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what progress he has made towards reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured in road accidents involving cars and motorcyclists over the past 12 months; [24162]
(2) what measures he is taking to ensure that local authorities introduce motorcycle safety programmes and car driver targeted motorcycle awareness campaigns in local authority areas. [24164]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured in accidents with cars rose from 4,195 in 1999 to 4,508 in 2000. We are seeking to address this at a local and national level. The Local Transport Plan process requires local authorities to produce a local road safety strategy. This should set out how authorities plan to tackle road traffic casualties in their area, including the current road accident casualty problem. Measures to be pursued will be for the local authority to determine in the light of local circumstances. The local safety strategy should also outline what education, training and publicity work will be undertaken by the authority.
593WAt a national level our Road Safety Strategy includes a number of measures to improve motorcycle safety. We have already replaced the one-year ban for learners who do not pass the motorcycle test within two years with a further training requirement. We have introduced a training requirement for newly qualified drivers wishing to ride a moped and ended the exemption from the motorcycle theory test for those holding a full car licence. The theory test for drivers also now includes more questions about motorcyclists. We have also co-operated with industry in the production of codes of practice for motorcycle couriers and fast food delivery riders.
Other measures we are pursuing include issuing advice to car drivers and motorcyclists about the vulnerability of motorcyclists, improving training for all riders, establishing a register of accredited motorcycle instructors, and engineering and technical measures which may protect motorcyclists better.
§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he intends to publish guidance for local authorities about the installation of secure parking facilities for motorcycles in towns and cities. [24163]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Department is preparing a Traffic Advisory Leaflet setting out advice to local authorities and others on providing high quality, secure and accessible parking for motorcycles. This is planned for publication by Easter.