|
Please review the following update regarding Anti Social Behaviour which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.
Dear Residents,
We have been made aware that inconsiderate and illegal use of e-bikes (Electrically assisted pedal cycles) and bicycles has been taking place in the local community on public highways and open spaces.
We want all residents to be able to enjoy their community safely and in accordance with the law.
It may come as a surprise to many that laws govern the use of pedal and electrically assisted cycles and riders found to be cycling in careless and dangerous way can be prosecuted or fined.
Electrically assisted cycles or e-bikes as they are commonly known, can only be ridden by someone 14 or over (unless on private land with the owners express permission).
Parents or guardians may find themselves facing fines or other penalties for allowing under 14’s to ride e-bikes and it is important to check the rules before considering purchasing an e-bike.
E-bikes are legal to use for people 14 years old and above provided the bike meets the Electrically Assisted pedal cycle regulations that stipulate that an e-bike must not exceed 250 watts and must be able to travel at a maximum speed of 15.5mph by use of the motor and that the e-bike is propelled by its two pedals. These should be used on the road and not public footpaths or parks.
Parks in Carshalton do not permit the use of e-bikes and users could find themselves fined by local authority enforcement agencies.
If an e-bike has been modified to exceed 15.5mph, then road tax and insurance are required. If the rider is found to be riding without insurance, then they will receive a fine, points and the bike will be seized with impound costs applied. If the rider does not have a licence, then the points will be applied to a ghost record held by the DVLA until a full licence is obtained.
Its worth noting that if a new driver gets 6 or more points in the first two years of holding a licence, then it will be revoked.
Below is a few of the many laws governing bicycle usage and each is enforceable either with arrest, fine and points.
• Section 28 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 creates the offence of riding a cycle dangerously on a road.
• Section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 creates the offence of cycling on a road without due care and attention or reasonable consideration.
• Road Traffic Act 1988 - failure to give, or giving false, name and address in case of reckless or careless or inconsiderate driving or cycling
• section 72 of the Highways Act 1835 Ride a pedal cycle on a footpath / causeway by the side of a road made / set apart for the use of foot passengers
The sanctions for improper e-bike usage and invariably affect young people and it is often said ignorance of the law is no defence but with a little foreknowledge, consumers are in a better place to protect themselves and their family. Until retailers are compelled to inform purchasers of the full extent of the conditions of use, consumers can find themselves in hot water and we wanted to make residents aware of the pitfalls of ownership.
Hopefully this letter will enable residents to make informed choices when considering purchase of an e-bikes and to understand the rules around their safe use and will act as a timely reminder of the responsibilities that all road users must adhere to.
 Antisocial behaviour can come in many forms and can require support from more organisations than just the police. There are 13 different types of antisocial behaviour that we may be able to help with, including abandoned vehicles, littering or drugs paraphernalia and street drinking. A full list of what we categorise as antisocial behaviour is available on our website. If you have witnessed or experienced antisocial behaviour, you can report it online. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
| 
