Rachel Blake MP

FOR years residents of Westminster have raised concerns about the growing number of rogue e-bike riders, and this week action is finally being taken.

LTAs, local transport authorities, now have the power to issue fines to those who abandon e-bikes on pavements, making the streets of London safer and more accessible for residents and visitors alike.

Both as a candidate, and since being elected as MP, I have heard from countless residents about the disruption caused by badly parked bikes and the unsafe behaviour of riders.

I have listened to these concerns and have worked hard alongside Westminster City Council and the City of London Corporation to find ways to address them.

I have written to the transport secretary Heidi Alexander calling for stronger regulation and enforcement to address this issue, and for many years have called directly for local authorities to have the power to fine e-bike operators who show a blatant disregard for the rules.

Far too often Lime and other e-bike users have been running red lights, cycling dangerously and, perhaps most frustratingly, leaving bikes blocking pavements and access points to buildings.

This is particularly a problem in the West End, where even a single badly parked bike can block an entire pavement and force residents to contend with traffic on historic narrow streets. This issue even afflicts the many wonderful theatres, several of which have been in touch with me expressing frustration that poorly-parked bikes block visitor entrances, compromising audience safety and disrupting their operations. This is a serious problem not only in Westminster but across London.

As e-bikes and e-scooters have become more widespread, the lack of clear regulation and enforcement has allowed irresponsible operators to spoil the benefits that these modes of transport could offer.

While councils have signed agreements with operators like Lime to establish parking zones, it is clear that these are not being adhered to by unruly riders and that change is desperately needed.

This has further highlighted that existing laws were not enough and that local authorities needed more power to tackle this issue head-on. This week’s news, therefore, marks a significant step forward.

The government has confirmed that LTAs will soon be granted the authority to fine rogue e-bike users.

This power, which will be a part of the English Devolution Bill, will give local authorities the ability to regulate on-street micromobility schemes like e-bikes and e-scooters.

This is an essential development, and one that directly responds to the many concerns I have raised.

It is a victory for Westminster residents and a much-needed step forward in improving our streets. It will allow local authorities to shape these services to meet their needs, reducing the nuisance caused by poorly parked e-bikes and scooters and ensure riders are held accountable for their actions.

With the number of e-bikes growing rapidly, it is essential we balance the benefits of these sustainable transport options with the need for safe, accessible streets.

While the announcement is a step in the right direction, I remain committed to ensuring these powers are implemented effectively and that local authorities are supported in enforcement efforts.

It is a vital move toward a transport system that works better for everyone, where the benefits of e-bikes can be enjoyed safely and responsibly without the disruptions that have caused so much frustration.

I look forward to seeing these changes in action and continuing to work with local authorities to ensure our streets are safer and more accessible for all.

• Rachel Blake is the Labour MP for the Cities of London and Westminster.