E-Bikes Parking

This time last year, we reported that Westminster City Council was introducing measures to try to tackle the issue of dockless bikes being left on pavements across the borough. The increase in use of the bikes, combined with the Council’s lack of powers to control or enforce against the issue had led to bikes being left everywhere, cluttering up pavements, creating obstructions and hazards to pedestrians. A network of new geofenced designated parking locations were created by the Council – including some in Baker Street Quarter – encouraging users to park more responsibility or face the prospect of a suspension of their rider account for repeat offenders. The system relies on the main e-bike providers complying with and supporting the scheme. Similar initiatives have also been introduced in Kensington & Chelsea and Wandsworth boroughs. 

Baker Street Quarter has been working closely with the Council to monitor the parking provision in this area and continues to be supportive of the principle of the system going forward. However, there have been some notable issues with the lack of capacity in some locations causing overcrowding and obstruction. We have been submitting regular reports of problematic bays and suggesting improvements to remove obstructions and add capacity. As a result, some of the more problematic bays have been removed, some now have clearer signage, and all bays have been given a priority grading based on the impact they have on the surrounding area. Operators are required to adhere to this, prioritising those with a higher grading when resolving any issues that occur.  

However, there are ongoing issues at some locations, including on Baker Street, with overcrowding of these bays, creating significant inconvenience to pedestrians and obstructing some entrances/exits to buildings and businesses. 

The Experimental Traffic Orders that allow the marked bays will come to an end in March 2025 when the scheme will be reviewed. We will continue to work closely with the Council to feedback problem areas and will be pushing for greater capacity and better management of the bays, as well as support new initiatives to improve parking regulations in the area. In addition to this, TfL is also looking to implement a pan-London scheme for e-bike parking which we feel would add clarity and help with compliance – we understand the ambition is to bring this in in 2026.  It will require Primary Legislation to add the necessary controls for a permanent scheme. 

In the meantime, the Council has recruited several more officers to work with the providers to discourage overcrowding and obstruction by e-bikes and we continue to liaise regularly with the team to monitor the situation and report back our members’ and the wider community’s concerns. You can continue to report any issues via the Council website here.  

If you have any questions or issues that you would like to raise, please do let us know here.