...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Westminster City Council in central London is considering implementing daily fines for e-bike users who abandon their rented bikes on the streets.
The council has proposed plans to install docking stations across the borough in the coming months.
If e-bike users fail to use the designated stations and comply with the rules, they may face penalties of up to £20 per day until the bike is correctly parked.
The move comes in response to increasing problems caused by abandoned e-bikes, which have posed challenges for individuals with mobility difficulties and the visually impaired.
Docking Stations and Support from Rental Companies
The council’s plans involve establishing docking stations at various locations across the borough, including repurposing car parking spots.
Although the plans are not yet finalized, e-bike rental companies have expressed support for the initiative.
Lime, one of the rental companies, has suggested that its fining system would resemble the one currently in use in other boroughs.
It would begin with an initial warning, followed by incremental fines ranging from £2 to £20.
Geo-Fence System and Concerns
Another proposed measure is the installation of a “geo-fence” around the borough’s perimeter.
If an e-bike is improperly parked within this area, users will continue to be charged until the bike is correctly parked.
While discussions are ongoing, concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of the system, particularly the need for an adequate number of docking bays.
It has been estimated that around 500 stations would need to be installed across Westminster.
Implementation Similar to Other Boroughs
Westminster’s plans are expected to follow a similar structure to e-bike docking systems already implemented in other London boroughs, such as Islington, Hammersmith and Fulham, and the City of London.
Cabinet member for city management and air quality, Paul Dimoldenberg, has stated that the council has been working with e-bike companies to identify suitable locations for the parking bays and aims to begin installation within the next few months.
