BIKES WILL BEAT CONGESTION THE EASY WAY AS HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANE IS ANNOUNCED
22 December 2004 - Motor Cycle Industry Association Ltd

Bikers should be smiling as the Government announces proposals to introduce High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (HOV) on the M1.

The MI is the first motorway that will have a lane dedicated to car drivers carrying passengers. Bikers, however, will be allowed to use these lanes with or without a pillion passenger.

The Government has announced this scheme, which is an attempt to reduce the congestion that is clogging up many British roads. Initially, lone drivers will not be allowed to use the HOV lanes, which will stretch between junctions seven and ten on the motorway, during rush hour.

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) is delighted that the Government have recognised the importance of motorbikes and scooters as a form of everyday transport. Following, the success of the MCI’s congestion charge campaign in London, this policy announcement is another step down the road to making biking more accessible and easier for those who ride.

Since the congestion charge was introduced in London there has been a reduction in the number of casualties even though there has been a significant increase in the number of bikes and scooters riding round the capital.

Statistics also show that it is getting safer to ride on two wheels and with an active rider population of 1.5 million this announcement is good news all round.

Craig Carey-Clinch MCI’s Director of Public Affairs said, “Motorcycles are playing an increasingly important role as an alternative to the car and access to the proposed HOV lane will help riders to avoid having to filter through congestion, making their journeys safer, with the added benefit of reduced journey times.”

www.mcia.co.uk

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