The UK government has launched a consultation on the rules for governing technology which could make transport easier, more efficient and greener, as part of the Future of Transport regulatory review.

The evaluation considers areas such as electric scooters, flexible bus services, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) and more.

New regulations and changes to existing ones could represent the “biggest shake-up of transport laws in a generation,” the government said.

New regulations and changes to existing ones could represent the “biggest shake-up of transport laws in a generation,” the government said.

For example, the review calls for input around e-scooters on issues such as a minimum age, vehicle standards and insurance requirements. The consultation will also consider whether local authorities should have extra powers to manage the impacts of e-scooters on public space, such as where they can be parked.

“Ripping up the rule book”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We are on the cusp of a transport revolution. Emerging technologies are ripping up the rulebook and changing the way people and goods move forever.

“Our groundbreaking future of transport programme marks the biggest review of transport laws in a generation and will pave the way for exciting new transport technology to be tested, cementing the UK’s position as a world-leading innovator.”

"This review will ensure we understand the potential impacts of a wide range of new transport modes such as e-scooters, helping to properly inform any decisions on legalisation."

He added: "This review will ensure we understand the potential impacts of a wide range of new transport modes such as e-scooters, helping to properly inform any decisions on legalisation.”

Alongside the review, the government also announced £90 million in funding for technology trials in three new ‘future transport zones’. These will involve technology companies alongside councils, hospitals, airports and universities.

Medical supplies, MaaS and more

The zones, which will join the existing West Midlands future of transport zone, are in Portsmouth and Southampton, the West of England Combined Authority, and Derby and Nottingham.

Pilot initiatives will include: drones and e-cargo bikes to deliver medical supplies to help speed up diagnoses by cutting travel time; mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) booking platforms; and ‘mobility hubs’ that integrate public transport, bike-hire, car clubs and electric vehicles.

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