FEATURE
“We welcome the government’s intention to improve services for bus and rail passengers, but there is a clear policy gap when it comes to shared transport, which has the potential to work alongside these other reforms in decarbonising the way we travel.
HERE IS HOW SOME OF THE INDUSTRY REACTED TO THE PLEDGES:
“Measures around e-bike battery safety will be music to the ears of many in the trade. There needs to effective action to stop lithium battery fires ruining lives and diminishing the record of reputable manufacturers and retailers.
“I must admit to being slightly underwhelmed by the lack of commitment on active travel and e-scooter regulation. Investment and legislation in these areas could stimulate currently underutilised areas of the economy, offer huge benefits to health and assist with our net zero targets.
“Let’s hope that the devolvement of power to local councils empowers them to push forward with a greener agenda, as opposed to delegating responsibility to subordinates in order to avoid accountability.”
Daniel Blackham, BikeBiz and MMB editor
“The government has presented a promising plan for the future of transport in this country. Commitments made to get Britain building have the power to enhance economic growth, improve public health, and help us meet our climate targets. However, this progress is contingent on ensuring that investments include the development of walking and cycling infrastructure from the get-go.
“We are encouraged by the prospect of increased local decision-making and see it as an opportunity to grant local leaders in England more authority to implement transport improvements in their communities. We will push the Government to pair this with increased investment in active travel, to ensure the huge benefits of cycling, for our health, our economy and our environment, are realised.”
Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at Cycling UK
“It is disappointing that after its comprehensive victory at the election earlier this month, Labour has not seized the chance to be as bold as it could have been in the King’s Speech.
8 | August 2024
“The announcement of plans to give more powers to local councils in England should also include the ability to expand the use of shared transport, whether that is through new bike schemes or on-demand buses following flexible routes. Any shake-up to the planning system should also ensure that bike share schemes, car clubs and other similar initiatives are put front and centre.”
Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK
“We are thrilled to hear of plans by the government to finally address the prevalent risk of e-bike battery fires, following our extensive campaigning work on this issue. This government now has a golden opportunity to turn the tide by introducing third-party certification for e-bike batteries, bringing them in line with other high-risk products already subject to extra safety rules, including fireworks and heavy machinery.
“Our report last year outlined this proposal, which is backed by more than 80 organisations, including manufacturers, emergency services and insurance groups all demanding tighter regulation that will protect the public, better protect good business and help weed out bad operators producing substandard batteries.
“These fires continue to tighten their grip on many parts of the country, causing severe damage, inflicting huge financial hardship, and, tragically, loss of life. This Bill has the opportunity to ensure those who have already lost their lives to these devastating fires did not do so in vain, and we are committed to working with the government on the details of this life-saving Bill.”
Wayne Mackay, head of public affairs at Electrical Safety First
“We hope the government’s intention to empower local leaders means that they will invite and encourage cities interested in introducing e-scooter trials of their own to do so now without the need for legislation.
“In addition, we will continue to press the government to
legislate and make rental e-scooters permanent.” Jim Hubbard, senior policy manager at Voi UK
www.bikebiz.com
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