Will cyclists actually need numberplates? The facts around Grant Shapps ‘plan’
Tory Grant Shapps has broken the internet by suggesting cyclists could need number plates.
The Transport Secretary told the Daily Mail he will propose extending speed restrictions to cyclists – especially in 20mph zones.
That “obviously” raises the question of how you fine the cyclist, he added – “do you need registration plates and insurance?”
It’s a great talking point, and he said it. Except, here’s the thing. We’ve looked into it, and it seems like there’s pretty much zero prospect of it happening any time soon.
Firstly, speed limits for cyclists – let alone number plates to enforce them – haven’t even been formally proposed by the government.
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Getty)
If they were going to become law, they’d have to be proposed, consulted on, and then brought to Parliament, then passed by MPs.
For the bits that have been consulted on – like an offence of death by careless cycling – they’ve been up in the air for four years.
And even if a consultation did get all the way down the track, we will have a new PM – and quite possibly a new Transport Secretary – in weeks.
At that point it could all end up spinning in the gutter.
We look at what’s actually happening here and why insiders doubt it’s going to happen.
What has actually been proposed?
This policy appears to have been made up by Grant Shapps in a Daily Mail interview.
Speed limits don’t apply legally to cyclists, so he said: “I absolutely propose extending speed limit restrictions to cyclists as well.
“Particularly where you’ve got 20mph limits on increasing numbers of roads, cyclists can easily exceed those, so I want to make speed limits apply to cyclists.
“That obviously does then lead you into the question of, ‘Well, how are you going to recognise the cyclist, do you need registration plates and insurance and that sort of thing’.
“So I’m proposing there should be a review of insurance and how you actually track cyclists who do break the laws.”
What stage is this review at?
As far as we can tell, it currently exists within Grant Shapps’ head.
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Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The government has not launched a consultation or a “call for evidence” – usually the first big stage of changing a law like this.
And it’s understood there are no plans for him to do so before Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak take office as Prime Minister on September 6.
The Transport Department confirmed: “There are no plans to introduce registration plates on bicycles.”
Grant Shapps is currently a Sunak supporter and Truss is tipped to win, so there is a possibility he won’t be Transport Secretary in a month.
If no consultation has begun, then in a legal sense the idea dies with his ministerial job. Unless, of course, his successor voluntarily takes it up.
What about his other suggestions?
Grant Shapps also mentioned creating an offence of death by dangerous cycling or death by careless cycling.
This would close a “loophole” where motorists can be jailed for life for the most serious offences but cyclists’ punishments are shorter.
However, not only are these cases very rare, this issue was consulted on in 2018 and is still waiting for a government response.
The government says only that a response is due “in due course” – there’s no more detail.
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Getty Images)
Even if the review goes through, will number plates be needed for cyclists?
Err, well actually… no, it seems unlikely.
In today’s interview, Mr Shapps also accepted he was not “attracted to the bureaucracy” that comes with registration plates.
Officials also pointed out that in a recent Times interview, he set out he does not wish to introduce registration plates on bicycles.
And the government already looked at issues like mandatory insurance, registration and licensing in 2018 as part of a “comprehensive” review.
It ruled: “The Government has no plans to introduce a registration and licensing regime for cyclists. The costs and complexity of introducing such a system would significantly outweigh the benefits.”
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REUTERS)
So what’s really going on here?
We’re not mind-readers, but it’s possible a few things are at play.
Firstly, Grant Shapps is perhaps making a political pitch to keep his job, or at least stay in the Cabinet.
Secondly, he might be floating ideas he wants to see through but knows might be doomed if he leaves. He also proposed a £2 bus fare cap.
Thirdly, the idea of dangerous cyclists – and whether to slap car-like restrictions on them – is a classic feature of the ‘culture wars’ gripping the party.
Perhaps he’s canvassing for support among Tory voters. Or perhaps he’s just trying to catch Liz Truss’s eye enough to keep him. Or perhaps both. Who knows.
What does the Department for Transport say?
A DfT spokeswoman said: “We want cycling to be the natural first choice for shorter journeys, helping to improve air quality and health while reducing congestion on our roads.
“We have set an ambitious vision that by 2030, half of all journeys in towns and cities are cycled or walked.
“Like all road users, cyclists have a duty to behave in a safe and responsible manner and follow the rules of the road.
“While there are no plans to introduce registration plates on bicycles, we continue to look at how we can improve road safety across all forms of transport and we are considering bringing forward legislation to introduce new offences around dangerous cycling.”
