Transport for London has unveiled a new enforcement policy to tackle the growing problem of dockless rental electric bikes being parked inappropriately across the capital’s busiest roads.
The initiative comes as problematic parking of e-bikes on London’s red routes has caused significant safety concerns, particularly affecting disabled and older pedestrians.
TfL’s updated approach aims to ensure streets remain safe and accessible to everyone, while allowing rental schemes to continue operating as an important part of London’s transport network.
The policy will focus primarily on dockless e-bikes, as e-scooters are already required to park in designated bays as opposed to on the side of streets.
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E-bikes and scooters have been balmed for taking up huge portions of the pavement
PA
Under the new plans, TfL will consider taking action against operators who allow their bikes to be parked outside designated places on red routes and TfL land, including station forecourts and bus garages.
The enforcement will initially target the most problematic areas where large numbers of poorly parked bikes create access or safety issues, particularly for vulnerable pedestrians.
Fixed-penalty notices of £50 for illegally parked bikes that block pavements will be issued directly to companies. These charges could be hiked to £100 if not paid within 14 days.
Almost £1million has been allocated this year to fund 7,500 new parking spaces across London boroughs, adding to 2,000 existing parking bays. The transport body also plans to deliver at least 800 spaces by next summer on red routes, with a target of 3,000 spaces by the end of 2026.
Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said: “Dockless e-bikes play an important role in encouraging more people to choose sustainable modes of transport when travelling around the capital, but we know that poor e-bike parking can cause significant safety issues for some Londoners, particularly disabled and older people.”
He added: “In some instances they have become obstacles for pedestrians, particularly in busy parts of the capital. The Mayor’s million-pound investment into additional parking spaces, in conjunction with this scheme to ensure that vehicles are parked responsibly, will make London safer and more accessible for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Kieron Williams, from the London Councils Executive Member for Climate, Transport and Environment, emphasised that while e-bikes could benefit London, they must work for all residents.
“Whilst the large majority of people using the bikes do so with care and respect for their fellow residents, we are still seeing far too many blocking pavements, roads and crossings,” he said.
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Williams noted that London boroughs are already using enforcement powers, including installing almost 2,000 new parking bays. He called for new legislation to establish consistent rules for operators, adding that current operators “could and should be doing much more to address these problems”.
However, Claire Mann, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, noted that rental e-bikes and e-scooters are vital to London’s transport network.
“Our new approach to enforcement on our red routes, alongside investment in new parking spaces, will ensure that e-bikes and e-scooter services can continue to operate without impacting the ability of others to use and access the capital’s streets,” she said.
She added that TfL would continue collaborating with operators, boroughs and other partners to ensure all Londoners have access to safe and sustainable transport.
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E-scooters must be parked in bays across London
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Clive Wood, from the Guide Dogs charity, welcomed TfL’s updated enforcement policy for dockless vehicles. He explained that for blind and partially sighted people having pavements that are “clear of clutter, including poorly parked rental mobility vehicles, is vital to be able to get from A to B across the capital independently and with confidence”.
He expressed hope that operators would work with TfL to ensure the updated policy makes a difference, adding that additional parking spaces will help tackle this “increasingly frustrating issue.”
