What Impact Will Grant Shapps’ Unexpected Announcement Have on Early E-scooter Trials in the UK?

We were once concerned that legislation might be delayed but, after the Transport Secretary’s unexpected announcements, it seems things are speeding up…

Screengrab from the BBC

In our first post on the UK government’s ‘Future of Transport’ consultation, we discussed its likely impact on electric scooters. In what is being described as the ‘biggest shake-up of transport law’ in a generation, the Government clearly wishes to re-establish the UK as a world leader in transportation technology.

In our discussion, we voiced our concerns that the bureaucratic nature of Government might result in the legislation being delayed. Failing to capitalise on the opportunity would leave the UK struggling to catch up with the rest of the world and achieve its vision of being a pioneer in innovative, greener transport technology.

However, following the unexpected announcements on Saturday 9th May by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, it seems things are speeding up quicker than anyone expected — even the DfT! While standing at the №10 lectern, Mr Shapps presented the daily coronavirus briefing with some surprises, the most significant of which was the fast-tracking of…