Cracking down on illegal e-bikes in Blackpool
Since becoming your MP, I’ve taken a hands-on approach with local policing. I don’t believe in sitting behind a desk when serious problems are playing out on our streets. If anti-social behaviour is causing my constituents problems, then it’s my job to understand it properly and do something about it.
I’ve joined several police operations in my first year – including a raid on a cannabis farm in the town centre. But when I joined officers on patrol in Blackpool most recently, we had something else in our sights – e-bikes. Dangerous and illegal e-bikes and scooters are being used all across our town with no insurance, no licence and no regard for anyone’s safety.
The action was part of Operation Centurion – a Lancashire-wide police crackdown on illegal and dangerous vehicles. Blackpool is one of the worst-hit areas. Loud, aggressive riding in busy places. Drug dealing using bikes and scooters. Kids with no helmets flying down the Prom at alarming speed. It’s dangerous. And it has to stop.
Me and PCC Clive Grunshaw with just some of the seized bikes on the day
In one day, officers seized 56 bikes and scooters. All of them now off the streets. Some were being used for crime. All were putting lives at risk. This is just the start.
The operation also benefited from the force’s new specialist on- and off-road bikes. They’ve got lights, sirens, and trained riders and can reach places normal vehicles can’t. Seeing them in action for the first time was impressive. They’re fast enough to catch those who think they can get away and were paid for by our Police and Crime Commissioner, who joined us on the patrol too.
If you’ve got a legal e-bike and you’re using it properly, no one’s coming after you. But if you’re riding illegally, or using your bike to intimidate people, it’ll be taken off you. It’s as simple as that.
I’ll back our police every step of the way on this because people write to me about it all the time. It can’t be ignored.
This operation wasn’t a one-off. If you're fed up with the noise, the danger and the fear these bikes cause, keep reporting it. It helps the police know where to go next.
To report nuisance vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters, or quads in public areas, or to find out more, visit the dedicated ASB page: www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/lancashire-tackling-asb. Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You can also call 101 or 999 in an emergency.
