Swann calls for urgent action to protect motorcycle schools

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to assess the need for an investigation into what he describes as a potential “market failure” affecting motorcycle training schools in Northern Ireland.

Mr Swann said he is deeply concerned about the future of the motorcycle training sector after it emerged that only one insurance provider currently offers coverage for training school vehicles - and that this provider is no longer taking on new motorcycle school clients in Northern Ireland.

In his letter to Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, Mr Swann warned that this situation threatens the viability of the 12 motorcycle training schools in Northern Ireland, which collectively train approximately 1,000 riders every year.

Mr Swann said:

“This is a serious and unsustainable position. This sector depends entirely on one insurer and unfortunately the provider is not taking on new clients of this type and is in no way the fault of that provider, but that is not a functioning market and requires urgent attention.”

The Ulster Unionist MP said that the current lack of providers has huge potential consequences for the industry. Training school owners are unable to sell their businesses, as prospective owners cannot obtain insurance policies in their own names. No new schools can open, as there is no available cover for their training motorcycles, and the entire sector remains vulnerable should the sole insurer withdraw from the market.

Mr Swann previously raised the issue with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, highlighting the urgent need for government action to futureproof the motorcycling industry in Northern Ireland.

Mr Swann added:

“I have asked the CMA to investigate this situation and consider whether intervention is needed to protect this sector.”