The Scottish Government

Page: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 It is widely recognised that motorcycles, mopeds and scooters (powered two wheelers - PTWs) have a role to play in a national transport strategy.

1.2 In rural areas they can help reduce social exclusion by providing an affordable alternative to the car where public transport is not readily available, and where walking or cycling is impractical. In urban areas, switching from car use to motorcycle use has the potential to reduce vehicle emissions and congestion as well as minimising the land required for parking provision.

1.3 Since the publication of Travel choices for Scotland in 1998 and Scotland's Transport Future in 2004, the Scottish Executive have encouraged local authorities to take account of the contribution PTWs can make in delivering integrated transport policies.

1.4 The safety of motorcyclists is a significant issue and merits serious attention from the road safety perspective if increased use is not to be reflected in increased casualties. The motorcycle safety situation is due to a combination of factors that go beyond the rider and machine and are in large measure the result of nearly 30 years of a poor strategic approach to motorcycling safety and policy issues. To address this problem it is recommended that the special needs of motorcyclists are considered in transport strategies and plans. Details of some initiatives and measures, which can improve the safety of motorcyclists, are contained in Appendix A.

2. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

2.1 'Travel Choices for Scotland' - The Scottish Integrated Transport White Paper issued in 1998, set out a framework for transport requirements and policy in Scotland. One consequence was that a forum was set up to consider the role motorcycling could play within an integrated transport system. The forum consists of members of the Scottish Executive, representatives of the motorcycle industry and user groups.

2.2 'Scotland's Transport Future' - The Transport White Paper built on the initial framework. In order to promote motorcycling as part of an integrated transport system the forum considered that it would be desirable to prepare guidance which would address the issues surrounding motorcycle usage and provide guidance for regional and local transport planners to ensure that appropriate provisions are made for motorcycle use in their transport plans.

2.3 This guidance recognises that many issues surrounding motorcycle use lie in areas that are reserved for action by Westminster and the DfT. This is necessary to maintain a uniform approach throughout the UK on appropriate matters. Other matters such as the Scottish road network and parking controls lie within the remit of the Scottish Executive.

2.4 The UK Government's White Paper on the Future of Transport, "A New Deal for Transport: Better For Everyone" issued in July 1998, recognised that mopeds and motorcycles can provide an alternative means of transport for many trips and that they offer an affordable alternative to the car. The White Paper also acknowledged the potential benefits offered by motorcycling for the environment and for congestion. However, it recognised that these were dependant on a number of factors and that the role of motorcycling in an integrated transport policy raises some important issues.

2.5 The UK Government concluded that it required advice on these issues in England and Wales and it established the Advisory Group on Motorcycling (AGM). The AGM set up five Task Forces to examine vehicle safety and security, integration and traffic management, environmental and fiscal issues, statistics, and research.

2.6 This guidance considers the findings of the AGM and its Task Forces and assesses their relevance and applicability to Scotland.

Page: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]