Commenting on the announcement of the Product Safety & Metrology Bill outlined in the King’s Speech, Wayne Mackay, Head of Public Affairs at Electrical Safety First said: “We are thrilled to hear of plans by the Government to finally address the prevalent risk of e-bike battery fires, following our extensive campaigning work on this issue. This Government now has a golden opportunity to turn the tide by introducing third-party certification for e-bike batteries, bringing them in line with other high-risk products already subject to extra safety rules, including fireworks and heavy machinery. Our report last year outlined this proposal, which is backed by more than 80 organisations, including manufacturers, emergency services and insurance groups all demanding tighter regulation that will protect the public, better protect good business and help to weed out bad operators producing substandard batteries. These fires continue to tighten their grip on many parts of the country, causing severe damage, inflicting huge financial hardship, and, tragically, loss of life. This Bill has the opportunity to ensure those who have already lost their lives to these devastating fires did not do so in vain, and we are committed to working with the Government on the details of this live-saving Bill.”
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