Experts have criticised Labour over missing motoring policies from the King's Speech yesterday, which they warn could set the UK behind other countries.
King Charles presided over the State Opening of Parliament yesterday and unveiled Labour's plans for the Government at the traditional ceremony in the House of Lords.
Alongside measures that will bring the UK closer to the European Union and significant police reforms, the King confirmed infrastructure projects, including backing for the Lower Thames Crossing.
However, experts from across the motoring and mobility sectors have criticised the Government for failing to introduce measures that have already been earmarked.
Christina Moe Gjerde, Vice President of Northern Europe at Voi, warned that the UK could fall behind other European countries after the Government failed to announce legislation for electric scooters.
This is despite growing support for the micromobility transport options across the UK, with 21 trial schemes available in England alone.
Data from Transport for London between September 2024 and September 2025 found a 50 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for rental electric scooters.
It also showed that 95 per cent of trips end in designated parking bays, while only 0.0007 per cent of trips resulted in a serious injury, with zero fatalities recorded in the capital.
Experts have criticised the King's Speech for not including measures for e-scooters and road maintenance
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The trial has been backed by TfL for supporting the Mayor's Transport Strategy, which will see 80 per cent of journeys made through sustainable models by 2041.
Ms Gjerde said: "This comes despite repeated calls from us to bring an end to the e-scooter trials, so we can grow, invest and deliver the safe and reliable micromobility options we know communities want.
"The UK needs to wake up to the opportunity on the table in front of them and be more ambitious.
"Bringing forward legislation today would have unlocked millions of pounds worth of investment in new markets, new vehicles and new infrastructure, while helping more people access jobs, education, and local high streets."
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There are more than 20 electric scooter trial schemes across the UK
| BRIGHTON AND HOVE CITY COUNCILThis was emphasised by Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), which described the decision to omit e-scooter rules as a "significant blow".
The organisation warned that this would prolong uncertainty and deter investment in the UK, especially from growing micromobility companies.
Another substantial measure left out of the King's Speech was road maintenance, which was cited as a key issue in the lead-up to the recent local elections.
Tom Morgan, founder of Supersmith, said: "Our roads are simply not safe enough for use due to the 'pothole plague' disrupting our journeys.
Estimates suggest it would cost more than £18billion to fill in potholes across the UK | PA"But, while the state of our roads must continue to be a responsibility for local councils and the wider Government, we believe pavement safety should be considered to be just as important."
He added that pavements were also deteriorating as a result of drivers parking on the pavement with their vehicles, which has already been addressed by the Government.
Labour recently confirmed that it would ban motorists from parking on pavements by giving local leaders new and improved legal powers to crack down on rulebreakers.
The Department for Transport added that it would set out guidance to help local authorities use the additional powers later this year.