'Ban motorcycles' report - ACPO back down

Association of Chief Police Officers clarifies its position over 'ban motorcycles' plea

OVER TWO weeks ago the Association of Chief Police Officers caused uproar when they told the Commons Transport Committee that they should consider banning motorcycles.

Following evidence submitted to the Transport Select Committee on behalf of ACPO, David Griffin, Deputy Chief Constable of Humberside Police and ACPO lead on motorcycle safety said:

"This week, ACPO has written to the Chair of the Transport Select Committee to clarify its position and remove any confusion that may have arisen in relation to motorcycles as a result of evidence provided to the Committee.

“We cannot deny that the casualty and fatality rate amongst motorcycle and scooter riders in the UK remains unacceptably high, especially when compared to countries such as Germany and Sweden. However ACPO is working hard with the motorcycle industry, Driving Standards Agency, Department for Transport and riding groups to explore sensible and pragmatic solutions to reduce the high casualty and death rates of motorcyclists in the UK.

“Motorcycling is a viable and necessary part of our transport infra-structure and I hope that our move to clarify matters with the Transport Select Committee provides reassurance to the motorcycling community.”

ACPO has provided clarification to the Transport Select Committee on the following issues:

Vehicle evasion: At the time of the submission, the available evidence suggested that vehicle evasion by motorcyclists was a significant issue. Research has since indicated that the level of vehicle excise evasion on motorcycles is not significantly greater than that of other vehicles.

Access by motorcycles to public roads: Discussions within ACPO surrounded off-road vehicles in particularly environmentally sensitive areas where noise and environmental damage have arisen as a concern to communities. This statement was not intended to suggest restrictions on the access of law-abiding road-using motorcyclists.

High speed motorcycles: ACPO has acknowledged that, without modification, production motorcycles in the UK are not capable of over 200 miles per hour, but are capable of speeds approaching that number.

The phrase 'motorised toys' was intended to refer to a relatively small number of very high powered sports machines ridden by a minority of riders in an inconsiderate way, causing danger to themselves and other road users. This was not intended to describe the vast majority of motorcycles used for both leisure and business purposes.

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