NMDA ‘alarmed’ by government silence

The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) has raised concerns that the promised plug-in motorcycle grant scheme has still not been delivered.

In March 2015 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 £7.5m would be set aside to boost the uptake for electric two-wheelers. The grant would offer up to £1,500 off the purchase price and allow motorcyclists to reduce both their running costs and environmental impact.

However, the grant has not yet been actioned, prompting an urgent letter from the NMDA to Andrew Jones MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Transport.

Stephen Latham, Head of the NMDA said, ‘Following the announcement over a year ago, we are alarmed that the grant has still not been put in place for consumers and thus, dealers and the industry. We are not aware if the promised grant has been revoked under the new government and to-date there has been no further mention in action towards implementing it.

‘This is now impacting on the electric motorcycle market and is discouraging would-be buyers from purchasing vehicles in wait of the grant. This has created both financial implications for businesses and consumers. The NMDA has written the minister to advise further as to when the industry can expect the grant policy to be implemented.’