FLEETS eager to help staff speed their journeys to work and avoid congestion charges received a further indication that the Government sees motorcycles and scooters as part of the solution to urban congestion and pollution, according to the UK's motorcycle industry.

It claims Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown's reforms to the VED rates for motorbikes reflected his acceptance of the two-wheeler's congestion and pollution busting potential.

The Chancellor shuffled the motorcycle VED rates, adding a new 401-600cc category, with bikes between 151-400cc seeing the biggest drop of £35 a year in their road fund licence. The rates come into force from May 2002.

Frank Filch, the Retail Motor Industry Federation's motorcycle retailers director, said: 'The motorcycle community has lobbied the Government extensively over the past year regarding recognition of the role bikes can play in reducing congestion and pollution, and the Chancellor responded by reducing motorcyclists' overall VED bill by around 20%.'

Two-wheelers will not be required to pay congestion charges in London when the capital's charging scheme comes into force next February. M/C VED rates

Pre-Budget:
Up to 150cc - £15
Over 150cc up to 250cc - £40
All others - £65

After the Budget:
Up to 150cc - £15
151-400cc - £30
401-600cc - £45
Above 600cc - £60.