An East London council has confiscated 21 illegal electric bikes and mopeds during a targeted crackdown on problematic road use in key local areas. Waltham Forest Council, working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, conducted the operation over the weekend of January 17 and 18, responding to persistent community concerns about anti-social conduct and unlawful parking.
Operation details and enforcement actions
The council officers and police removed a total of 13 e-bikes and eight mopeds from public spaces in the vicinity of Hoe Street and Walthamstow High Street. In addition to the seizures, authorities issued 17 penalty charge notices and reported 19 separate traffic offences during the same period.
Under current regulations, the borough council maintains the authority to levy fines specifically for parking violations, including instances where vehicles obstruct driveways or park on yellow lines. The seized vehicles now face potential disposal if their owners fail to pay required fines within the designated 42-day recovery window.
Council leadership addresses road safety concerns
Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Council and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality, emphasised the importance of such enforcement measures. "Taking action against inconsiderate road users – including the seizure of illegal and abandoned vehicles – is fundamental to developing a healthy and functional road sharing culture," he stated.
"This represents a top priority for local residents, and I'm pleased that this effective joint operation resulted from ongoing dialogue between community members and council officers. It delivers a strong message to those unwilling to share our roads responsibly."
Broader safety implications and fire risks
The council official highlighted additional safety concerns beyond parking violations, noting that improperly maintained e-bikes and scooters present significant risks to both riders and bystanders. He referenced London Fire Brigade data indicating at least 181 emergency callouts related to charger and battery fires during 2025 alone.
Waltham Forest Council has consequently endorsed calls for food delivery platforms to implement stricter safety standards for their drivers, aiming to address these wider public safety issues.
Ongoing partnership approach to community problems
Mehmet Hassan, Senior Parking Manager at Waltham Forest Council, described the operation as representative of standard collaborative work rather than an isolated incident. "This isn't a one-off event – this is bread-and-butter partnership work," he explained.
"Together with the Metropolitan Police, NSL, and the council's anti-social behaviour team, Parking Services respond to issues identified through local community meetings. Our focus remains on problem solving, not merely enforcement."
The council's approach demonstrates how local authorities can combine enforcement actions with community engagement to address persistent issues affecting public spaces and road safety.
