A private member’s bill has been put forward as part of the government’s intention to remove the Vnuk law – which requires golf buggies, mobility scooters, quad bikes, ride-on lawnmowers, and the like to be insured – from UK legislation.
Referring to the European Court of Justice’s judgement in the Vnuk case, Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said in a June 29 written statement to Parliament: “The government has been clear since the ruling in 2014 that it does not agree with it.
“The decision directed the unnecessary extension of the provisions requiring motor insurance to private land as well as a greater range of vehicles that potentially includes motorsports, agricultural machinery, and light electric vehicles.”
The MP highlighted how the ruling had led to excessive liabilities on the insurance industry and to potential increases in motor insurance premiums. He added that removing the Vnuk law was a government priority.
Shapps stated: “The Hon. Member for Wellingborough has introduced a private member’s bill entitled ‘Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance)’ which aims to deliver the necessary legislative change. The government will follow passage of this bill with interest.”
It was noted that a slot to introduce the primary legislation will be sought at the earliest possible opportunity.
