July 17, 2024
Today’s King’s Speech has set out the Government’s priorities for the new parliamentary session. Although nearly 40 new Bills point to a busy session for both MPs and Ministers, there is so far little in the way of announcements in areas of direct relevance to motorcycling. Although measures are planned in a new Crime and Policing Bill to create new powers to tackle the dangerous and anti social use of off-road bikes and another Bill on product safety will aim to address battery safety for eBikes, there is no specific Transport Bill. Rail and Bus privatisation are to be dealt with via specifically targeted Bills.
The NMC feels that a specific Transport Bill could have indicated the Government intention to fulfil its manifesto commitment to tackle potholes, plus provided an opportunity to commit to a new transport and road safety strategy, plus reform of other areas of legislation such as motorcycling licensing and traffic regulation orders.
The NMC has already been in contact with all MPs to highlight where motorcycling organisations need action from the new Government and dialogue has reopened with departmental officials. The Council has also responded to the Government’s consultation on granting motorcycles access to bus lanes by default and is calling for this measure to be introduced as soon as possible.
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The King’s Speech is notable by what it doesn’t say and it could have gone much further on areas of concern to motorcyclists. The NMC will be taking a close interest in the Home Office Bill relating to anti social off road biking, to ensure that it only contains measures which will have a genuinely positive impact on this area of concern to communities. But motorcycling is much more about opportunities for society than problems caused by a few and we will also engage Ministers at both the DfT and other Departments with our proposals for motorcycling as part of the future of transport.”
Ends.
Notes to Editors:
1. For further comment from the NMC please contact Craig Carey-Clinch, on 07979 757484 | craig@uknmc.org
(Pic Pixabay ELG21)
