MCIA Submission to Transport Select Committee: Joined-up Journeys
MCIA Urges Government to Integrate L-Category Vehicles into Integrated National Transport Strategy
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has submitted evidence to the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry on Joined-up journeys: achieving and measuring transport integration, calling for the full inclusion of L-Category vehicles in the UK’s upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy.
L-Category vehicles – including mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles (micro cars) – offer compact, low and zero emission, and space-efficient transport solutions that complement walking, cycling, and public transport. When fully integrated into the transport system, they can reduce congestion, improve air quality, support last-mile logistics, and accelerate progress towards net zero.
However, MCIA warns that L-Category vehicles remain overlooked in national and local transport planning. Barriers such as complex licensing, inconsistent access rules, limited infrastructure, and weak incentives continue to prevent their full contribution to a joined-up mobility network.
MCIA’s submissions calls on Government to:
• Include L-Category vehicles in the Government’s forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy to ensure the right vehicle for the right journey mantra is at its heart.
• Conduct a full-scale regulatory review of emerging micromobility options and their interaction with L-Category vehicles. This should include consideration of bringing e-scooters under L-Category regulation, should the Government decide to legalise private use. The review should also future-proof regulation to ensure a level playing field for L-Category manufacturers to innovate in this space.
• Conduct a full-scale review of L-Category licensing requirements in line with MCIA’s A Licence to Net Zero proposals to improve accessibility (and safety).
• Call on the Government to revert its decision not to allow motorcycles access to bus lanes as its default position.
• Implement a bespoke consumer and business incentives package for L-Category vehicles that acknowledges their varying use cases to incentivise uptake.
Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA said:
“L-Category vehicles are the missing link in the UK’s transport system – compact, clean, and capable of connecting people and businesses. By recognising their role in the Integrated National Transport Strategy, Government can deliver faster progress towards decarbonisation and a truly joined-up transport network for all.”
Modernising licensing, ensuring consistent and easy access, and investing in L-Category infrastructure would unlock a more efficient, inclusive and sustainable transport system while supporting growth and innovation across the UK mobility sector.
The full submission is available here.
For any queries regarding this response, please contact Alfie Brierley, Director of Policy and Public Affairs.