A consultation on
the use of small electric personal vehicles was today launched by
Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis.
The consultation seeks views on the principle of changing the law
to permit the use of small electric personal vehicles (EPVs) on
public roads and cycle tracks. It does not include consideration
of their use on pedestrian footways or footpaths.
Andrew Adonis said:
"New technologies can offer new opportunities and this
consultation offers the chance for a full consideration of the
issues around electric personal vehicles.
"We want to hear from groups and individuals with
opinions and evidence on whether the law should be changed to
permit such vehicles on public roads and cycle tracks. We will
then consider all the responses carefully before deciding whether
any further action is required."
At present any EPV which does not comply with existing road
traffic law may only be used on private land, with the
landowner's permission.
The Department for Transport is also today launching a
consultation on electrically-assisted pedal cycles. The proposals
in this consultation will provide greater clarity for consumers on
whether a product is considered to be an electrically-assisted
pedal cycle or a motor vehicle. It also addresses harmonising our
regulations with European standards.
Notes to Editors
1. The consultations can be found here:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-01/
and here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-02/
and both close on Tuesday 30 March 2010.
2.A factsheet detailing existing advice on EAPC can be found
here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/cyclingandmotorcycling/electricassistedpedalcycles.pdf
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