Local Labour councillors have written to the Government asking for urgent action to curb the ‘mess’ of e-bikes which are increasingly left strewn across roads, pavements and other public spaces.

Councillors Annie Gallop and Paul Gadsby have contacted Simon Lightfoot MP, Parliamentary under-secretary in the Department of Transport, to tighten regulatory powers in the face of a growing problem from “dockless” e-bikes and scooters.

Local residents have complained about public spaces in the ward being used to abandon the vehicles, creating an eyesore and blocking pavements – a particular nuisance for our neighbours with mobility issues.

In the letter – which can be read in full here – the councillors point out that thousands of people in Lambeth rely on the hire bikes and remind the Minister of the “clean and green” pro-cycling policies of Lambeth Labour’s environmental agenda.

However, they write: “…too many of these dockless cycles are left scattered across pavements and streets, often on their sides, blocking walkways for pedestrians and leaving our street space in a messy and unsightly condition.

“In our experience the companies behind these schemes are often unresponsive and too slow to move these cycles, especially if they are damaged. And the parking areas where these cycles are usually stored can be particularly chaotic.”

The letter points out that London councillors lack the powers to crack down on abuse of the bikes and scooters, and that the previous government ignored the issue. The councillors write:

“We are asking that you look, with fresh eyes, into urgently granting strategic transport authorities the levers and authority to improve the use and operation of dockless bikes.”

Lambeth Council has already installed 240 designated parking bays in the borough, with another 100 planned. Even though the authority negotiated a “memorandum of understanding” with the hire companies – who rent the spaces – the council says enforcement is too difficult. Officers are working with Transport for London, London Councils, and other boroughs to create a consistent, citywide approach and legal agreement with e-bike operators.

However, long term regulatory changes are necessary to deal with the problem, they say.