Electric motorbikes and mopeds could soon become the norm on UK roads after the government set out a range of measures to mark a year since the Transport Decarbonisation Plan was introduced.
According to the Decarbonising transport: one-year-on review almost 7,500 extra EV chargepoints have been installed, supporting 900,000 electrified vehicles currently on UK roads, and more than 130 new active travel schemes have been funded.
To mark one year since the plan was introduced, the government has launched a new public consultation to accelerate the transition to zero-emission travel by phasing out the sale of new fossil-fuelled motorbikes and mopeds by 2035, or even earlier for some non-zero emission L-category vehicles.
UK transport minister Trudy Harrison said: “Across road, rail, sea and air we have taken decisive action to reduce harmful emissions while enabling innovation and growing the economy.
“We have provided certainly to both the industry and consumers through investment to stimulate a new market to reduce the need for fossil fuels.”
Alongside the consultations, the Department for Transport has announced funding for a competition to help industry develop a zero-emission motorcycle supply chain in the UK, creating a manufacturing base for small, emission-free vehicles.
Successful applicants for the £350,000 fund, will undertake research to support the production and distribution of new, green vehicles within the sector.
The government also recently published its second Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, which sets out estimated investment, already committed from various funds, of almost £4bn into active travel until 2025, including £2bn announced in 2020.
This investment aims to deliver measures including high-quality walking and cycling routes, safer road junctions, cycle training and a Walk to School Outreach initiative.
