Transport for London unveils new enforcement policy for dockless bike parking

Transport for London (TfL) has set out a “new approach” for tackling careless parking on dockless micromobility modes across the city.

The enforcement policy will mainly focus on dockless e-bikes, as London’s e-scooter trial already requires parking in bays.

Improperly parked bikes can be removed and penalties levied on operators – though TfL has not specified what fines could be imposed.

“Should operators not comply, any enforcement activity will be proportionate,” a TfL spokesperson told Cities Today.

“TfL will use available powers to enforce against non-compliance, obstructions or where vehicles present a danger. Actions taken against operators could include warnings, fixed penalty notices, removal of vehicles or prosecution depending on the context.”

Enforcement

Enforcement will focus on the city’s red routes – its busiest highways – and on TfL land, which includes station entrances and bus garages.

TfL says a “proportionate and pragmatic” approach will be taken to any enforcement activity, initially focused on the most problematic areas where large numbers of poorly parked bikes are causing access or safety issues.

The transport authority has written to operators to ask them to collaborate on its policy, and will also be working closely with London’s councils to improve parking compliance.

“Dockless e-bikes have the potential to be a major positive step forwards for London, but to work for our city they need to work for all Londoners,” said Cllr Kieron Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Climate, Transport and Environment.

“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.

“London boroughs are already using enforcement powers to tackle these problems, including installing almost 2,000 new parking bays. We will be working closely with TfL to learn from their new approach, so we can continue to use all of the legal tools currently at our disposal to address these issues for our residents.

“The right long-term solution is new legislation, setting out fair and consistent rules that all operators have to abide by. However ahead of that, it is clear the current operators could and should be doing much more to address these problems.”

Response

With an estimated 30-40,000 dockless e-bikes across the UK capital, TfL has increased its focus on e-bike parking – allocating £1 million (US$1.26 million) this year for 7,500 new e-bike parking spaces, with plans to add 800 more on red routes by next summer.

Lime is the largest operator in the city, followed by HumanForest and Dott.

“The decision by TfL underlines the urgent need for increased parking areas across the capital,” a Lime spokesperson said.

“This includes land owned by TfL so that the space around transport hubs remains clear and safe for pedestrians, while meeting the soaring demand for rental e-bikes.

“This year we have invested £1 million in a Parking Infrastructure Fund to create more dedicated e-bike parking, and we employ over 250 people on London’s streets who help remove or tidy bikes parked in the wrong places.”

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