Dockless e-bikes are changing how residents travel around Lambeth and London, bringing new opportunities but also new challenges.
Residents tell us all the time that they are frustrated with e-bikes blocking pavements, businesses and roads, and we have demanded operators do more to stop this.
Lambeth Labour started a boroughwide campaign to call for a better deal for residents, gathering signatures from every corner of Lambeth and working with residents directly to deliver safer and cleaner streets.
And we’re pleased that the operators have agreed to further action to tackle this, including a ‘bay parking only’ policy, meaning they must be parked in designated parking bays.
However, we know this alone won’t solve the problem. That’s why we are stepping up council enforcement, including removing and seizing bikes where problems persist and issuing fines.
Lambeth Labour has also negotiated cheaper fares for residents, with operators agreeing to provide at least one fare comparable to a bus ticket. Discounts of up to 50% will be offered to key workers and people on low incomes.
Any company operating in Lambeth must offer a fair deal to residents, and this agreement is a step towards delivering that.
We will also continue to lead the call on the government to introduce proper London-wide regulation, so councils like Lambeth have the powers needed to effectively manage e-bikes and keep our streets safe and tidy.
This is a major win for residents with stronger enforcement and better value for users.