Scooter News VACC Supports VACC supports Victorian Government’s ‘Strategic Action Plan for Powered Two Wheelers’.
VACC VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, has welcomed the Brumby Government’s policy shift towards Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs).
Launching ‘Victoria’s Road Safety and Transport Strategic Action Plan for Powered Two Wheelers’, Minister for Roads and Ports, Mr Tim Pallas, said “…the Victorian Government is not only making a commitment to reduce motorcyclist fatalities and serious injuries, but also to ensure that PTWs are given appropriate recognition in transport policy and planning”.
PTW registrations have increased by 72 percent in Victoria over the ten years to 2008. From 2002 to 2007, there has been a 20 percent reduction in rider and pillion fatalities.
“VACC supports the Victorian Government’s stance on Powered Two Wheelers,” VACC Motorcycle Division Manager, Peter Dunphy, said.
“Motorcycles and scooters are growing in numbers. They are cheap to run and emit fewer emissions than cars. They ease traffic congestion and make less demand on parking spaces.
“But until now, they have not been fairly treated as legitimate road users by Government policy and infrastructure planners.
“VACC commends Minister Pallas for recognizing the importance of motorcycles and scooters in the transport mix. The Victorian Government is the first to do so nationally.
“An integrated PTW strategy will not only help promote this form of transport and all its benefits; it will also provide rider safety through awareness, education and training.
“However, in order to meet plan timelines, VACC encourages Government agencies to meet their fair share of the costs of delivery, rather than rely on the limited funds raised by the Motorcycle Safety Levy and paid by motorcyclists.
“VACC also urges the Minister to consider immediate introduction of laws that allow motorcyclists to use bus and transit lanes and for riders of low-powered scooters to share bicycle lanes,” Mr Dunphy said.
Photo: Tim Pallas, Minister for Roads and Ports at the PTW Strategic Action Plan Launch.
published 3/09/2009 |