As part of our ongoing work to make our borough’s streets safer for everyone, another joint operation in Woolwich between the council, the police and Immigration Enforcement has resulted in multiple vehicle seizures and arrests.
Operation Focus aims to promote legal vehicle regulations as well as overall road safety.
During its most recent activity, 11 illegal e-bikes, mopeds and scooters were seized, while multiple Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were handed out.
Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste and Streets, said: “We're cracking down on illegal electric bikes, motorbikes, scooters and mopeds across Greenwich.
"We’re firm believers that two-wheeled travel is a sustainable, safe and healthy way to get around our borough – but only when it’s done responsibly.
“Illegal e-bikes, scooters and mopeds present a clear danger to anyone on the roads of our borough, as well as the people riding them.
"By providing advice and guidance on legal e-bike usage, and by confiscating non-compliant vehicles, we’re making our streets safer for everyone.”
Three riders were arrested for illegal working, and police arrested another in possession of offensive weapons and class B drugs.
The council’s Road Safety team were also present, handing out 127 high-vis vests and road safety advice to both e-bike riders and the wider public.
Each high-vis vest was also marked with a QR code which takes recipients through to 2 Wheels London, an organisation with whom the council has partnered to help provide riders with safety information and free training.
To date, Operation Focus has led to the seizures of 75 e-bikes, scooters or mopeds which did not comply with Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations, while the council has handed out 471 high-vis vests and general road safety guidance to local people.