DISQUALIFICATION OF LEARNER MOTORCYCLISTS

Early day motion 553, tabled 3 December 1997 by Hazel Blears (Labour). Signed by 68 members.

That this House notes that motorcycles are a valuable and integral part of Britain's transport network; notes that they are between two and five times more fuel efficient than the motor car; further notes that they take up far less parking space than cars, and all too often the potential benefits of motorcycling are ignored when alternative transport options are considered or integrated transport plans are discussed; is concerned that the changes in driving licence requirements introduced in the early eighties, and specifically the requirement that novice riders who fail to pass their motorcycle test within two years of receiving their provisional motorcycle licence become subject to a one year ban, leading to a reduction in the number of motorcycles on the road and encouraging novice riders to take up motor car use where there is no such restriction; and calls on the Secretary of State for Transport to review this punitive measure affecting motorcycle riders.

Signatures by party: Labour 46, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1.