Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A new Wandsworth scheme aims to curb dangerously parked e-bikes and e-scooters, tackling safety risks on pavements and improving accessibility.
Although most users of e-bikes and e-scooters use them in a responsible and courteous manner, the few who do not will be addressed by this new enforcement strategy.
Since Forest and Lime e-bikes began operating in the borough, the council has removed those that were left in dangerous places by installing 170 e-bike parking bays, occasionally impounding bikes that were improperly parked, and working closely with the operators to help them manage their bikes better.
In order to address the problem of improperly parked bikes, this plan will build on existing efforts by testing a specialized enforcement squad that actively patrols the streets.
Officers will use their authority under the Highways Act to remove and confiscate e-bikes and e-scooters that obstruct access on pavements and roads as part of our commitment to protect pedestrians. This will cover those who are:
- blocking other drivers’ safe passage by lying across the road
- positioned on the pavement so that passing pedestrians must cross the street
- likely to topple over, putting pedestrians at risk for harm.
- positioned on the road in a way that puts pedestrians or drivers in danger
In addition to responding to public internet reports, officers will patrol the borough every day to keep an eye out for any of the aforementioned problems.
Any e-bikes or e-scooters that are impounded will be taken to a secure depot and operators will be required to pay a set fee to recover them, meaning we can deliver this scheme without adding a penny to your Council Tax.
Cllr Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“E-bikes and e-scooters are here to stay as a key part of Wandsworth’s transport network. We are committed to sustainable travel but it must be done responsibly.
Over 7 million trips have been taken by e-bike and e-scooter over the past year, and thankfully the majority of these users do finish their journeys and park correctly.
However, even a small number of badly parked e-bikes and e-scooters can be dangerous and cause obstruction to pedestrians, which is unacceptable. This scheme is about making sure that when this happens, we act quickly to remove them, so our pavements remain safe and accessible for all pedestrians.”
How will enforcement officers decide which e-bikes or e-scooters to impound?
Enforcement officers in Wandsworth will decide to impound e-bikes or e-scooters based on specific criteria focused on public safety and obstruction. Officers will actively patrol daily for these issues and also respond to public reports.
The scheme uses powers under the Highways Act to remove and impound offending vehicles. Impounded e-bikes and scooters are taken to a secure depot, and their operators must pay a recovery fee to reclaim them. This ensures enforcement is focused on dangerous or obstructive parking rather than issuing broad penalties for minor infractions.
The majority of riders are responsible, but the enforcement targets the small number whose behavior endangers others or obstructs access.