Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) Congratulates New Secretary of State, Heidi Alexander MP

Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, extends his congratulations to Heidi Alexander on her appointment as the new Secretary of State for Transport.

Since the change in Government in July, the Department for Transport has yet to clarify its position on key policy issues affecting the moped, motorcycle, and wider powered light vehicle (PLV) sector (L-Category).

1.    Phase Out of New Non-Zero Emission PLVs
The new Secretary of State will be tasked with providing our industry more certainty on how the Government will approach the phase out of new nonzero emission Mopeds, Motorcycles & other vehicles segments within the L-Category vehicle regulation.   

MCIA continues to lobby for a plan to phase out that is proportionate to the sector’s minimal emissions (just 0.46% of transport emissions). It is vital that the Government remains technology-neutral and open to innovation and alternative fuels, as battery-electric technology alone is not the solution for key market segments.

Rushed, ill-thought decisions will harm the UK industry and potentially undermine domestic manufacturing, risking economic growth and British jobs. Instead, the Government should partner with industry represented by MCIA to set feasible dates, and harness this sector to support decarbonisation and modernise the movement of goods and people.

2.    MCIA’s Action Plan and Need for User Licensing Review
The Secretary of State’s appointment follows the recent, disappointing decision to reject default bus lane access for the sector. This shocking decision discourages uptake of L-Category vehicles which help reduce emissions and alleviate congestion, improving air quality and journey times. This decision casts doubt on the Government’s commitment to encouraging car and van users to make greener transport choices.  

MCIA are looking forward to working with the new Secretary of State on updating and building on the previous Government’s joint Action Plan with industry. The previous administration had pledged tangible Action Plan progress with its commitment to a user licensing review before the election.

MCIA will be working hard to encourage the new Secretary of State to launch a much-needed review of user licensing. MCIA’s A Licence to Net Zero proposals would simplify access, removing unnecessary complexity and repetition, reducing cost, improving efficiency for DVSA and improving road safety by incentivising progressive access. 

Congratulating the new Secretary of State, MCIA CEO Tony Campbell said:  "I congratulate the Secretary of State for Transport on her appointment and look forward to working closely with her over the coming months.

I encourage her to view our sector as an opportunity. With decisive, swift action on long-neglected policy areas—such as licensing and vehicle regulation, supported by a pragmatic, open-minded approach to phase out — the Government can achieve quick, impactful wins.

For too long, successive governments have delayed progress on key issues for our industry. Now is the time to seize the opportunity, partner with industry, and leverage the powered light vehicle sector to deliver on your missions.

By committing to supporting and updating the Action Plan, together we can secure a thriving, resilient future for iconic UK brands like Triumph, Royal Enfield, BSA, Norton, and CCM. 

With the right policy landscape, the Government can support new, innovative businesses like Maeving, driving economic growth, boosting productivity and creating high-skilled jobs.

Simplifying user licensing to improving uptake of smaller, more-energy efficient vehicles will accelerate the stagnating decarbonisation of road transport and slash congestion across the country.

Modernising regulations will foster innovation, creating exciting new vehicle types that can transform urban and sub-urban mobility.

The opportunities are endless, Government has a willing partner in industry to make them a reality. All we need is a Secretary of State ready to work with us."

Notes for Editors:

MCIA represents 95% of the supply side of the PLV industry; the manufacturers and importers of powered two wheelers (PTWs) and other PLVs (or L-Category vehicles), accessory and component suppliers and businesses providing all associated services.

MCIA represents leading British and global brands, including Triumph, Honda, Norton, Kawasaki, and Royal Enfield.

For more information about MCIA or to interview Tony Campbell, CEO, please call 07976 714094 or email s.waters@mcia.co.uk.