We have welcomed new measures to prevent irresponsible parking by dockless e-bike users.

Following discussions with the Council, Lime has announced it will increase the initial fines for improper parking from £2 to £10 in Soho and Covent Garden.

The Council has also agreed new geofencing locations with the operator which will prevent bikes from being parked in certain streets. If users attempt to park their bikes in these no-parking zones they will continue to be charged by the app until the bike has been moved.

The new measures have come into force in areas such as Soho Square, Cambridge Circus, and Old Compton Street.

The Council has also called for apps to be improved so residents and businesses can report badly parked bikes more easily. Discussions between the Council and dockless e-bike companies about creating designated parking bays are ongoing.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Cabinet Member for City Management, 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 e-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 apply to 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