Anti-social use of Lime Bikes needs to be addressed, says Wolverhampton MP

An MP has urged people to have their say in a government consultation on new rules for shared e-bike schemes, aimed at tackling nuisance parking, improving safety and giving communities a stronger voice on how schemes operate.

The Lime Bike scheme was launched in the Wolverhampton in June, and Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal told this week’s meeting of the city council that take-up of the scheme had ranged from 1,108 to 2,602 trips a week.

Warinder Juss, MP for Wolverhampton West, said that although the scheme had proved very useful to a large number of people, he had also received a number complaints about anti-social behaviour and abandoned bikes.

At Wednesday’s meeting of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Paul Appleby also raised concerns about the problem.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander this week announced that the Government was consulting the public on new laws that would require operators to obtain a licence from their local transport authority. She said the proposals would establish national minimum standards while also giving local leaders powers to set additional requirements based on local needs.

She said all licences would be required to include measures dealing with parking arrangements, tackling anti-social behaviour and illegal use, fleet management and maintenance, as well as defining operating areas. Local authorities would also have the power to consider additional conditions where appropriate, such as requirements relating to data sharing, fees or helmet provision.

Mr Juss said: “Many residents in Wolverhampton West use shared e-bikes as they are a convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly transport option that has helped to reduce traffic and support healthier lifestyles.

“But it is important that these schemes work for everyone. I have been contacted by too many residents who have experienced problems with bikes being left in inappropriate places or concerns about antisocial behaviour. I welcome the action the Government is taking so that Wolverhampton West can continue to benefit from shared e-bike schemes while addressing the real concerns which local residents have.

“I would encourage anyone with views on these proposals to engage with the consultation so that we can achieve the right balance between supporting sustainable transport and protecting the quality of our public spaces.”

Miss Alexander said shared e-bike schemes had revolutionised the way people travelled around towns and cities.

“They are easy to use, get us active and help reduce emissions, but we need to make sure they work with the communities where they operate,” she said.

"That’s why we are taking decisive action to give local leaders the power to stop nuisance parking, tackle anti-social behaviour and make journeys safer.”

Councillor Gakhal told the council that the bikes were monitored by a sophisticated tracking system, and that irresponsible use could be punished with financial penalties or, for repeat offenders, restrictions on use.