One of Labour’s new influx of London MPs has asked the government to give local authorities “new powers” to regulate the antisocial misuse of rented e-bikes and e-scooters, in ways appropriate for their areas.
In a letter to local Simon Lightwood, parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport, Rachel Blake, who gained the Cities of London & Westminster seat from the Conservatives in July, underlines the “extensive and well-known” problems with the hire vehicles, describing these as “frequently parked irresponsibly, blocking pavements and roads, which is hazardous for pedestrians and particularly for those with mobility challenges”.
Blake emphasises that such issues are “particularly acute” in busy areas like central London. She adds: “I believe that Local Authorities should have the powers to fine riders who park in a hazardous way and to fine the companies who fail to remove hazards.”
Although noting that the renting of e-scooters is undergoing a Transport for London trial period in more than half of London’s boroughs as part of a nationwide scheme, Blake points out that this is not expected to end until 2026. “Local authorities need powers to enforce in areas where there are problems now,” Blake writes. “We can’t wait.” The use of private e-scooters on public streets, though commonly seen in London, is illegal.
Highlighting her letter on X/Twitter, Blake says she is pleased to be working on addressing the problems with, among others, senior Westminster councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, who has been at the forefront of the Labour-run council’s attempts to get to grips with it in his capacity as cabinet member for city management and air quality.
Westminster announced in May 2023, one year after Labour won control of the prestigious local authority for the first time in its history, that it would be looking to instal parking bays where e-bike hirers could leave their bikes which, unlike TfL’s Santander-sponsored cycle hire scheme, do not have to be returned to a dock. It had previously instructed council officers to seize e-bikes left blocking pavements.
Over 300 parking bays have now been designated by council, which has said its voluntary agreement with e-bike suppliers Lime, Tier and Forest to encourage customers to use them is working well, but it said in January, when the Conservatives were still in national government, that new legislation was the “missing link” that needed to be supplied if e-bike use was to be properly controlled.
OnLondon.co.uk provides unique coverage of the capital’s politics, development and culture. Support it for just £5 a month or £50 a year and get things for your money too. Details HERE. Follow Dave Hill on Bluesky. Photograph from Westminster Labour.