DfT reacts to concerns over delayed grant scheme for plug-in motorcycles

The Department for Transport (DfT) has responded to The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) letter which outlined concerns that the promised plug-in motorcycle grant scheme had still not been delivered.

In March 2015 under the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government, The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock MP announced that motorcycles and scooters would join cars, vans, trucks and buses in the government’s drive for greener vehicles.

It was stated that up to £7.5 million would be set aside to boost the uptake for electric 2 wheelers and help bikers bridge the cost gap between a zero emission electric motorcycle and conventional petrol versions. The grant would offer up to £1500 off the purchase price and allow motorcyclists to reduce both their running costs and environmental impact.

Stephen Latham, head of the NMDA which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK comments, “Last month we wrote to Andrew Jones MP, parliamentary undersecretary of state for transport raising our concerns that the grant has still not been put in place for consumers and thus, dealers and the industry.

“We were not aware if the promised grant had been revoked under the new government and to-date there has been no further mention in action towards implementing it.

“The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) has now responded to our letter stating that they are continuing to work with stakeholders on the details of the scheme and will make further announcements in due course.

“The NMDA will continue to monitor this closely.”