Urgent calls for driving law changes to 'double down' on move away from petrol and diesel vehicles
The motorcycle and scooter industry is urging the Government to introduce policy changes
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Experts are calling on the Government to introduce new rules to help other vehicles make the switch to zero emission technologies through strong policies.
According to the latest data from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), new registrations of the L-Category (scooters, motorcycles and other light vehicles) segment closed at a "disappointing" 11,570 units.
This is a substantial 14.1 per cent year-on-year drop compared to September 2023, with the MCIA noting a knock-on effect on the whole market.
Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA, has called on the Government to make decisions on the future of the sector to ensure it can also make the transition to a zero emission future.
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Experts have called on the Government to introduce new policies to support the industry
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He said the motorcycle and scooter sector would have hoped the new Labour Government would bring brought stability to the industry through "policies that boost investor and consumer confidence".
Campbell added: "While it’s early days, the Government must double down on prioritising economic growth and driving consumer spending.
"Regarding net-zero objectives, we urge the Transport Minister to focus on L-Category vehicles, which are key to achieving these objectives.
"The Government has yet to announce policies that incentivise the shift to low and zero-emission L-Category vehicles."
In 2022, the Government set out a range of measures to mark "a year of success" since the Transport Decarbonisation Plan was introduced.
As part of this, it launched a public consultation to accelerate the transition to zero emission travel.
The Department for Transport announced that it would phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel motorbikes and mopeds by 2035, or even earlier for some vehicles.
A £350,000 fund was also launched to help create a manufacturing base for small, emission-free vehicles and undertake research to support production.
Although the original consultation ended in September 2022, the Government has yet to publish analysis of feedback. This could happen with Labour's plans to reinstate the original 2030 deadline for petrol and diesel cars and vans.
The consultation suggested proposing dates of 2035 for all L-category vehicles at the latest, but 2030 for L1, L2, L3e-A1, L6 and L7 sub-category vehicles.
This would include light two-wheel powered vehicles (including mopeds), three-wheel mopeds, two-wheel motorcycles, light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles.
September is normally a month of positive registrations following the release of new number plates, with the MCIA highlighting the need for Government action.
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CITROENCampbell continued, saying: "It's crucial it creates industrial opportunities and introduces demand-side policies to drive uptake.
"Proper implementation of our Action Plan is essential to support supply, demand, and a more sustainable future."
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