MCIA challenges government petrol and diesel ban plans

The Motorcycle Industry Association has published a new document entitled The Journey to a Brighter Destination, which outlines the reasons why motorcycles and scooters should not be included in the ban on petrol and diesel cars and vans, which is set to be introduced in 2030.

It’s still not exactly clear what the plan is for powered two-wheelers (PTWs), and with the UK plug-in grant scheme tweaked to make buying an electric bike or scooter less plausible for many punters, the MCIA has taken steps to showcase the numerous benefits of two-wheeled transport.

The document outlines the positive effect of leisure motorcycling on people’s mental health; the Life Cycle CO2 emissions of a conventional petrol-powered motorcycle; the impact of motorcycling on the economy; motorcycle sport; delivery riders (who use petrol bikes to earn money); in addition to the lack of charging infrastructure (particularly when compared to what’s currently available for cars).

More specifically, it states: ‘The future can and will be bright for our sector, but if, and only if, the Government ensures the right level of support is in place, starting from now, both in terms of financial consumer incentives but also the time and investment needed for us to adapt to new powertrains, electrical or otherwise. “The decarbonisation agenda is here to stay, and rightly so.

However, unlike other modes of transport, we face significant challenges when it comes to higher powered leisure motorcycles and their becoming zero emission at the tailpipe. “Accepting net zero is the goal. There can, and must be, a transitional role to play for ICE engines as we look to head towards that end point. We accept not every vehicle is appropriate for every type of journey, which is why MCIA has always been a strong advocate of the right vehicle for the right journey approach and extends to a right policy/ regulation/subsidy for the right vehicle approach, too.”

Without any clear and concise information from the Department for Transport, it’s difficult to predict what’s going to happen, but it’s great to hear that the MCIA is taking steps to encourage the Government to see sense and not include motorcycles and scooters in the initial ban.

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