Oxford councillors propose action against illegally modified e-bikes
Call for stronger enforcement amidst public concern over road safety
A proposal to address Oxford’s E-bike “menace” is set to come forward amid concern national policy “will not be strong enough”.
The city council will consider a plan put forward by Labour councillors Ed Turner and Anna Railton next week, on Monday, July 13.
It says action is necessary amid “substantial public concern and risk” due to the “use of illegally modified e-bikes and mopeds which are not authorised for public road” and fears the Government’s proposal for a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter will “not be strong enough to address the menace caused by these dangerous vehicles”.
The motion calls on the council leader, Susan Brown, to write to the Secretary of State for Transport and Oxford MPs to support the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and the Bicycle Association (BA) joint action plan to tackle of illegal bikes.
It says she should “urge swift action and stronger enforcement against riders who break the law, relevant employers and those who enable illegal activity”.
The MCIA and BA plan is pushing for national guidance on how to identify, seize and prosecute non-compliant e-bikes, mandatory compliance checks for fleet operators, stronger enforcement against online marketplaces and retailers selling non-compliant vehicles and modification kits.
The motion also asks the leader to write to the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner “urging an increase in enforcement activity against these vehicles and offering City Council support so far as this is feasible”.