MPS consider bike licence reforms
A NUMBER OF Conservative and Labour politicians are now backing proposed reforms to the UK motorcycle licensing structure, with a focus on greater accessibility and affordability to get more people on two wheels.
Speaking at the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) annual conference, figures from both parties said reform is needed and pointed to environmental benefits as part of net zero targets.
In a pre-recorded video message, Transport Committee chairman Iain Stewart (Con) told the audience: “I support your call for a full scale review of the L-category [motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers, and quadricycles] licensing regime and I’m looking forward to helping you hold the Government to account on its action plan promises.
“By emphasising the advantages in urban mobility, last-mile delivery efficiency, and the future of urban and suburban transport, you have transformed the conversation – making the sector more attractive and appealing for politicians to engage with.”
This was supported in person by committee member Fabian Hamilton (Lab), who told the conference: “We need to make this industry as accessible as possible, and far easier for current and future users to choose the right vehicle for the right journey.
“It’s needlessly far too complex and repetitive. It’s a major barrier that’s preventing many road users from opting for an L-category vehicle.”
The MCIA’S calls for reform began in October 2023 with the ‘A Licence to Net Zero’ campaign, which is being supported by members of the National Motorcyclists Council as well as Zemo Partnership, an independent non-profit striving for cleaner transport solutions.
To ensure the voice of motorcyclists continues to be heard, the MCIA and Zemo have launched an action plan ‘scorecard’ to grade ministers’ effectiveness in supporting the needs of the motorcycle industry.
Using traditional traffic light colours – a green tick representing a positive commitment being made, amber dots in the middle and a red cross marking no commitment – there are many areas still highlighted as in need of improvement.
These include licence reform, which has red crosses for both commitment and delivery, with an amber signal for development of the idea. A green tick has, however, been awarded for industry progress.