New Crackdown on Dangerous e-bike Parking by Wandsworth Council
Daily patrols will remove and impound vehicles
A Wandsworth Borough enforcement officer checks a Forest bike. Picture: Wandsworth Council
September 2, 2025
A new enforcement initiative launched this week in Wandsworth aims to tackle the issue of dangerously parked e-bikes and e-scooters obstructing pavements and roads. Under the scheme, enforcement officers will patrol the borough daily and respond to public reports, using powers under the Highways Act to remove and impound vehicles that pose a risk to pedestrian and road safety. The cost of recovery will be charged to the operators, ensuring the programme is delivered without additional burden on Council Tax.
The council emphasises that most riders use e-bikes and e-scooters responsibly, but the scheme targets a minority whose poor parking habits create hazards. Officers will intervene where vehicles block pedestrian access, lie across roads, or are positioned in ways that could cause injury or force pedestrians into traffic. This builds on previous efforts, including the installation of 170 dedicated parking bays and ongoing collaboration with operators such as Forest and Lime to improve parking compliance.
Councillor Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport, reiterated the borough’s commitment to sustainable travel, noting that over 7 million trips have been made by e-bike and e-scooter in the past year. While most users park correctly, she stressed that even a small number of obstructive vehicles can endanger pedestrians and must be addressed swiftly to maintain safe and accessible public spaces.
In addition to enforcement, the council is expanding infrastructure to support responsible use. A further 105 parking bays are planned, with public consultation on their locations. Town centres now feature strict no-parking zones, and outside these areas, users must park within 100 metres of a designated bay. Operators such as Lime and Voi are required to ensure their scooters meet safety standards, including speed limits, lighting, and licence verification.
The scheme coincides with rising usage across the borough. Since the launch of e-scooters in May 2025, over 37,000 trips have been recorded, with monthly figures for both bikes and scooters reaching new highs. The council continues to work with providers to strengthen safety and enforcement measures, while also promoting inclusive access through initiatives like the Access for All programme, which offers discounted rides to eligible residents.
Residents can report dangerously parked vehicles via the council’s website, by email at hello@wandsworth.gov.uk, or by calling 020 8871 6000. Operators can also be contacted directly through their respective support channels.
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