There was zero mention of motorcycling when Rishi Sunak set out the changes in his revised approach to environmental policy last month. But the policy changes extending the end of petrol and diesel car sales seems to suggest that a relaxation of the proposed 2030/2035 cut-off for petrol-powered motorcycles might be included.
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed the changes – but says Sunak and his government must end the pause on transport policy in other areas, including road safety changes aimed at motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users and updates to the motorcycle training and testing regime. The NMC also highlights the delay in legislation on e-scooters and other light zero-emission vehicles.
NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “News of the prime minister’s rethink on net zero is very welcome. We look forward to common sense decisions which brings the UK into line with international developments in respect of decarbonisation. The NMC has long advocated that a sensible and pragmatic approach needs to be taken to motorcycle decarbonisation, working with international partners, and supporting the development of a range of alternative technologies and fuels.
“In other areas of government business related to motorcycling, the ongoing delay in so many areas of policy create huge uncertainty and makes future planning very difficult. Ministers must pay attention to these areas and get policy-making processes moving again.”
The NMC also pointed out some recent positive changes, including progress on motorised vehicle access issues in the countryside, as well as direct support from the Cabinet Office on the issue of EU border crossing with classic, race and other motorcycles transported in vans or on trailers.