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Transport Select Committee Motorcycle Strategy Report 2007

Issued 30th March 2007

The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) welcomes the publication of the Transport Select Committee’s (TSC) Report into the Government’s Motorcycling Strategy and its commendation of the ACU’s work with Local Authorities to proved safe and legal riding opportunities for young people.

At a time when the Governing Body for Motorcycle Sport is devoting significant time and resources to fighting implications of proposed Off Road Registration Bill (1), the ACU welcomes the Transport Select Committee’s own reservations about the impact of this proposed Bill on illegal riding.

Although in the matter of an off-road registration scheme the committee recognised that most agencies, including the police, do not believe it would work and does not support implementation if cost and administrative burden would be prohibitive, the TSC has confusingly come down on the side of off road registration ‘trials’, a contradictory finding, given the arguments presented in the Report and by almost every witness who gave evidence to Committee members.

In light of these facts and evidence to the Committee, plus briefings to MP’s, the ACU is disturbed ed that the Off Road Registration Bill passed its second reading and that such little regard has been given to the experience and input of the experts called before the Committee.

The ACU’s Dave Luscombe is disappointed that this situation has been allowed to develop,

“The ACU is delighted that the Select Committee has recognised the work of the ACU in creating legitimate off road riding facilities for young people.  However, it is shocking that in the face of so much evidence to the contrary, the Bill, proposed by Graham Stringer MP, who is a member of this committee and heard this evidence first hand, can go further than its Second Reading,” said Luscombe.

“Equally shocking for the sport is the total lack of consultation by those who have drafted this proposed legislation; a Bill that seems to fly in the face of logic, reason and dare I say common sense” he continued.

Copies of the Transport Select Committee’s Report can be found at: Here

If you require any further information please contact Brian George, ACU Press Officer 01788 566428 or via e-mail brian@acu.org.uk

www.acu.org.uk

ACU and The Auto-Cycle Union are trading names of The Auto-Cycle Union Limited registered under Company No. 00134679; Registered Office: ACU House, Wood Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2YX