TfL announces enforcement policy to tackle ‘irresponsible’ dockless e-bikes and e-scooter parking
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new policy aimed at tackling the issue of irresponsible dockless e-bike and e-scooter parking across designated areas of London.
TfL has written to dockless e-bike and e-scooter operators asking them to collaborate on the policy, which has been initiated to help prevent bikes and scooters with no designated parking become an obstruction to TfL land, which includes areas such as station forecourts and bus garages.
Enforcement actions for operators found to be allowing poor parking can vary, according to the TfL policy, but could include warning letters or Fixed Penalty Notices, as well as prosecuting operators or removing vehicles, with repeat offences possibly leading to an injunction. However, TfL has stated that a "proportionate and pragmatic approach" would be taken to any enforcement activity.
Claire Mann, Chief Operating Officer for TfL, said: “Rental e-bike and e-scooters are an important part of the capital’s transport network and we want to make sure they work for everyone."
To support the initiative, funding has been allocated to London boroughs to build more parking spaces for dockless rentals, with nearly £1 million having already been spent this year to create 7,500 new spaces and plans to add at least 800 along key routes by next summer also in the pipeline.
Jonathan Harrison, Director of ACT, said: "The fact that TfL are taking a fair and even-handed approach to this issue is a positive sign and shows an intent to help effectively integrate e-bikes into London's overall transport system.
"This move should highlight to other local Government bodies across the UK that there are a number of alternatives to outright bans on e-bikes within town and city centres that can mitigate safety concerns while also helping continue to make e-bikes an accessible mode of transport."
E-bike rental company Forest, which rents 15,000 e-bikes across London, has praised the move to tackle "irresponsible" parking, while dockless e-bike firm Lime has stated that TfL's new policy "underlines the urgent need for increased parking areas across the capital."