Any political work at this stage in the government’s life-cycle is always going to be tough. However, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) is pressing on regardless and held a meeting with officials from the Department for Transport in December to discuss changes to rider licensing.
MCIA CEO Tony Campbell, director of safety and training Karen Cole, and public affairs manager Sean Waters represented the MCIA at a round table meeting with DfT officials to discuss changes to Compulsory Basic Training, as well as the need for a full-scale licensing review. According to the MCIA, there was broad consensus across all meeting attendees (which included rider groups and Transport for London) that the DfT should implement the DVSA’s CBT proposals for CBT published in 2017. The MCIA also presented its proposals for ‘A Licence to Net Zero’ and made the case for a simplified, less costly licensing regime that removes duplication and encourages progressive access.
The DfT is also organising a licensing ministerial meeting with roads and local transport minister Guy Opperman to take place early this year.