Cyclists dumping Lime bikes to be charged five times more in West End
By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter
Irresponsible cyclists will be charged five times as much for dumping Lime bikes in the West End.
The e-bike company is set to fine people ÂŁ10 in Soho and Covent Garden for leaving bikes blocking pavements, following discussions with Westminster city council.
The council has also worked with Lime to create new no-parking zones in areas like Soho Square, Cambridge Circus and Old Compton Street.
If users attempt to park their bikes in these areas they will continue to be charged by the app until the bike has been moved.
Last year Westminster city council started confiscating poorly-parked rented bikes to try and keep the streets clear.
The National Federation for the Blind said visually impaired people were put off going to museums and theatres in the capital because of the dangers posed by discarded bikes.
The council has also called for apps to be improved so residents and businesses can more easily report badly-parked bikes.
Discussions between the council and dockless bike companies about creating designated parking bays are ongoing.
Westminster city council also wants bike hire companies to make it easier for residents to report badly-parked vehicles.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg said: “These new measures are a step in the right direction to ensure the West End is accessible for everyone. Residents have told us they are sick and tired of badly-parked dockless bikes blocking narrow pavements and roads.
“Increasing fines and introducing no-parking zones in Soho and Covent Garden will encourage responsible cycling and make our streets safer.”
No-parking zones will be in place in the following streets:
Covent Garden
- James Street
- Long Acre
- Floral Street
- The Piazza
- Endell Street
- Shelton Street
- Odhams Walk
- Garrick Street
- King Street
- Henrietta Street
- Southampton Street
Soho
- Peter Street
- Berwick Street
- Broadwick Street
- Meard Street
- Old Compton Street
- Frith Street
- Dean Street
- Romilly Street
- Moor Street
- Soho Square
- Bateman Buildings
- Cambridge Circus
Pictured top: A dockless bike seized by Westminster city council workers (Picture: Westminster city council)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
