§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Private and Light Goods 6,715 10,121 14,421 21,098 23,916 24,308 Buses 31 53 97 121 139 153 Goods vehicles 75 93 141 171 237 236 Special vehicles 1,327 1,281 1,310 1,394 1,408 1,417 Exempt vehicles 698 733 774 903 1,103 1,115 Other vehicles 241 253 267 281 303 331 Total 9,087 12,534 17,010 23,968 27,106 27,560 These figures actually understate the number of vehicles because not all conversions to alternative fuelling are notified to DVLA and motorists are converting to LPG at an increasing rate. The total is expected to increase by about 25,000 per year over the next two years, prompted by the Government grants available, and the fact that low-cost LPG fuel is now available in all areas of the country.
All vehicles used on public roads in the UK have to be licensed annually. Generally such licensing includes payment of a duty of excise (Vehicle Excise Duty) on the licence but a number of vehicles are exempt from payment of duty. All of the vehicles included in the table as PLG, buses, goods, and special vehicles are subject to payment of VED. The category "other vehicles" includes motorcycles and other miscellaneous vehicles.