A Coventry City Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), that has been operating since 2017 is having an impact on the behaviour of e-bike riders.
The Police, the Council and officers from the Business Improvement District (BID) were out in the city centre recently when they issued three Fixed Penalty Notices to e-bike riders. The Police also seized an e-bike. There have been three similar operations between the three partners in recent months.
The Council working with partners, introduced the protection order, to improve the safety of people in pedestrianized areas of the city centre, and to place restrictions on E-bikes, pedal cycles and E-scooters.
The PSPO was amended in November 2023 following reports of safety concerns from residents and city centre visitors. These range from, the speed of E-bikes, pedal cycle and E-scooters, to obstructions in public walkways, and collisions.
The changes to the Order mean that Police Officers, and Council and BID Enforcement Officers are able to issue fines to people who ride E-bikes, pedal cycles, E-scooters through the City Centre.
Early evidence indicates that more riders are dismounting from their e-bikes in city centre pedestrianised areas as a result of the PSPO.
A key part of the order is to benefit pedestrians who feel unsafe when walking and travelling in pedestrianised areas of the city centre.
