HC Deb 18 January 2002 vol 378 cc494-5W
Lembit Öpik

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the environmental benefits of using financial incentives to encourage commuter traffic to shift from using cars to motorcycles; and if he will make a statement. [26731]

Mr. Boateng

I have been asked to reply.

The Government believe there are some environmental benefits associated with commuting by motorcycle rather than car. These are outlined in the interim report published by the Advisory Group on Motorcycling in April last year. A copy is available in the House Library.

The Government are also currently undertaking a consultation exercise asking for views on how VED for motorcycles can better reflect environmental impacts. The closing date for responses is 8 February.