(Image: T&A)
BRADFORD Council will look “how best to respond to concerns relating to e-bikes and e-scooters” in the coming months.
And action could include introducing new Public Space Protection Orders to tackle the rising problem.
MP raises e-bike issues
The issue of dangerous and anti-social e-bike use was raised by Shipley MP Anna Dixon last week.
Ms Dixon had written to Bradford Council’s new Reform leadership to ask whether a £200,000 fund set up by the previous Labour administration to tackle anti-social e bike and e -scooter use would be honoured.
She said the increased use of the powered vehicles meant many of her constituents “no longer feel safe on their streets.”
The funding, allocated by Labour in April as part of Operation Steerside, was earmarked for 100 additional targeted police initiatives, a strengthened district-wide Public Space Protection Order against antisocial vehicle use, and new noise cameras.
Ms Dixon’s letter to the council asks its Executive to confirm the £200,000 Operation Steerside funding will not be withdrawn, and set out when residents will see its benefits.
It also asks for details of discussions held with West Yorkshire Police since taking office, an explanation of how the council is using its Public Spaces Protection Order powers to restrict reckless e-bike use and set out what action is being taken against local retailers selling or modifying illegal e-bikes.
Shipley MP Anna Dixon
(Image: Ian Hodgson)
MP has been 'inundated' with complaints
Ms Dixon said her constituency office is "inundated" with complaints from residents about e-bikes being ridden dangerously on pavements, through pedestrianised areas and against traffic.
She added: “Residents across my Shipley constituency have told me time and again that they no longer feel safe on their streets.
"Parents have described near-misses outside schools, and traders have reported groups of riders causing a nuisance.
“This funding was rightly put in place by the previous Labour council to address exactly these problems.
"I am urging the new council leadership to provide a straight answer as to whether this money will still be spent as planned.
"Residents cannot afford for this funding to fall between the gaps and become victims of a change of administration.”
Her letter to the council leadership adds: “The residents of my constituency deserve to feel safe on their streets and in our parks.
"I would urge the council to ensure we have visible enforcement, a proper use of existing legal powers, and a clear public timetable for action, not delay.”
What Bradford Council is doing to tackle e-bikes
When the Telegraph & Argus asked Bradford Council for a response to the letter, a spokesperson said: “The council continues to support enforcement through its Vision Zero Bradford programme and the E-Mobility Enforcement Framework, delivered in partnership with West Yorkshire Police and other agencies.
“This includes action against illegal vehicles, safety risks and public awareness initiatives.
“The Operation Steerside funding is committed and available for this financial year to tackle dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour on the district’s roads.
“The programme will support a range of road safety and enforcement measures aimed at reducing speeding, antisocial vehicle use and road danger, while improving enforcement capability, community engagement, education and the removal of offending vehicles from the road.
“West Yorkshire Police continue to target anti-social vehicle use, including issues involving e-bikes and e-scooters, through local ‘Problem Solving Occurrences’ led by Police Steerside officers.
“Bradford Council is also reviewing PSPO arrangements in urban centres this autumn, including how best to respond to concerns relating to e-bikes and e-scooters.”