The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Chair, Neil Liversidge, has reaffirmed that the organisation backs the vast majority of motorcyclists in opposing the ICE ban.
The Department for Transport (DfT) launched its delayed consultation on the phaseout of non-zero emission motorcycles on 14th July. The consultation, entitled ‘L-category vehicles: ending sales of new non-zero emission models’, proposes the end of sales of all new internal combustion engine motorcycles by 2035, with sales of smaller petrol motorcycles up to 125cc to be banned by 2030. MAG Chair, Neil Liversidge, said:
“MAG totally opposes the proposed ban on the sale of internal combustion-engine vehicles (ICEVs), whether it be from 2035, the originally mooted 2040, or any other date. MAG likewise opposes any policy that leads to increased fuel costs or the reduced availability of fuels for ICEVs.”
Explaining the reason for this robust position, Neil went on to say:
“Our own survey showed that at least 80% of motorcyclists oppose it, despite green activists having targeted our survey to skew the result. We estimate that the real proportion of motorcyclists who oppose the ban is well over 90%. We shall faithfully represent the views of our constituency. A survey in the European Union produced similar numbers and we expect FEMA to likewise represent faithfully the views of motorcyclists across Europe. We also oppose the ban on the sale of ICE cars proposed from 2030 and stand resolutely with the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) with whom we are working through our umbrella organisation, Transport Reality.
We note that the consultation asks from ‘when’ the ban should come about? Our answer is “Never!” We demand a dialogue on whether it should come about at all.”
MAG plans to respond robustly to the consultation. Additionally, MAG is seeking direct representation with Government Ministers, despite the current leadership race. If necessary, MAG will demand to speak to the new Prime Minister.
MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said:
“We have already made representations to the Department’s decarbonisation team over the last year. Officials are constrained by the existing Net Zero policy and its timetables. These are clearly beyond the scope of this consultation. We need to take dialogue to a much more strategic level in order to properly represent the strength of feeling on this issue. We do not expect this to be an easy discussion, but we would be failing the trust of our members by not taking this course of action.”
The consultation can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/l-category-vehicles-ending-sales-of-new-non-zero-emission-models
Photo by Philip Myrtorp on Unsplash