Thank you for contacting me about powered two-wheeler vehicles.
You are right to point out that as the country gets back to work, more people will need to find alternatives to public transport.
People should consider all other forms of transport before deciding to use public transport. This includes private vehicles like motorcycles and mopeds where appropriate, and I know the Transport Secretary has made clear the importance of motorcycles as a way of getting around.
There are already measures in place to encourage the use of zero emission mopeds and motorcycles across the UK.
Indeed, to assist with up-front purchasing costs, a plug-in motorcycle grant scheme is available for eligible zero emission mopeds and motorcycles – for both private and business buyers. The 2020 Budget committed £129.5 million to extend the plug-in grants for motorcycles, taxis and vans, to 2022-23.
On the point about the use of bus lanes, local authorities are in the best position to make decisions on how to operate bus lanes on their road networks. In addition to buses, local authorities are permitted to allow motorcycles, pedal cycles, hackney carriages and ‘authorised vehicles’ to access bus lanes if they so choose.
Local authorities also already have the power to provide dedicated parking facilities for motorcycles.
Clearly, when making decisions on bus lanes or parking facilities, local authorities should take into account the needs of their residents, local businesses, those who work in and visit the area, and of course also the emergency services.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
July 2020