Commuters fed up with battling road congestion in their cars have helped boost 1999's motorcycle sales to their highest level for 17 years, by abandoning four wheels for two.

Overall, 152,416 motorcycles, scooters and mopeds were sold in 1999 - a 27% increase on the 1998 total and the biggest annual figure since 1982.

The Motorcycle Industry Association said sales of machines in Greater London represented 15.2% of total UK purchases last year. Scooter sales increased 77%, with the biggest seller being the Peugeot Speedfight with 2,898 being bought.

The Honda CBR600F was the highest-selling bike, with 4,447 purchases. The association said: "This clearly demonstrates that commuters are continuing to switch to the motorcycling option in large numbers."

Mark Foster, the association's chief executive, added: "With increased confidence in motorcycling from users and policy makers, the industry is well places to respond to increasing market demands for the biking option."

The news follows the government's pledge last December to spend at least �80bn on getting the UK's transport system up to speed by the year 2010.

'Car still essential'

Public and private funds, money raised from fuel duties and congestion charging will be used to build new train stations, improve the nation's road system and boost public transport by bus, tram and light railways.

Ministers are also keen to cut journey times for motorists and prevent bottlenecks.

New tickets will also be implemented to cover travel by train and road, and will be available on the internet.

However despite Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's desire to upgrade public transport, he said the car was still at the heart of the government's transport vision.

"The car and the lorry will remain essential," he said. "I make no apology for saying that we must invest in our road network, both nationally and locally."

Mr Prescott added that the government would not attempt to reduce traffic in absolute terms.