Research carried out by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) has
found that one in five adults votes will be influenced by the transport
and motorcycling policies of political parties.
The figures suggest that the issue of transport is more important for
men than women with 26% of men and 14.4% of women agreeing that they
would be influenced to vote based on transport polices. As the pass rate
for motorcycle and car licences is slightly higher for men than women
and more men than women hold licences it is not surprising that men rate
transport more highly on the political agenda.
People aged 17-34 years are most likely to be influenced by transport
policies and the over 55 age group are least likely. These findings
again suggest that young people place more importance on transport as a
necessity for work, leisure and holidays.
In London, where there are increasing concerns about parking issues,
congestion charging, public transport and road conditions, people are
most likely to be persuaded by transport policies. People are least
likely to be influenced in Northern Ireland ( 15.1%) where the problems
experienced in urban areas are less problematic.
Police patrols, speed cameras and training were some of the issues the
respondents were questioned on. Only one-third said they thought speed
cameras were effective compared to 68% of people who said no or weren't
sure about it, which implies that there is a less than positive public
attitude towards them than has been implied by other research by the
pro-camera lobby.
Police patrols, which can offer a more comprehensive service than a
simplistic camera, were however viewed more favourably with 43% of
respondents saying they would feel safer with more police patrols.
Craig Carey-Clinch MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, These findings
make it clear that the public will demand a robust set of commitments
for transport from the main political parties in the general election.
"The interest in motorcycling as an issue shows that it is viewed by the
public as mainstream transport, something that the politicians and local
authorities will need to take on board as transport policies are
developed."
