Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment, proposing that the current policy on dockless cycle hire be continued until the City of London Transport Strategy is adopted early next year, at which point the policy will be reviewed and updated. The report also proposed adopting additional measures to improve the management of dockless cycle hire, including Street Environment Officers proactively removing bikes in accordance with the City of London Corporation’s Street Obstruction Policy.

The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report, acknowledging the increase in the use of dockless bikes, and advising that the Street Obstructions Policy would be brought back before Members for review, having last been agreed in 2014. The legal advice given was that the Corporation could not stop dockless cycle hire operators from operating within the City, but could enforce on obstructions. Officers would continue to review and try to enhance these powers and continue to work with operators. On balance, it was believed the dockless cycles provided an amenity and would feature in the upcoming Transport Strategy. However, the Corporation could be more proactive about tackling obstructions.

Officers were taking the issue seriously, and felt more time was needed to work with operators, continue to look at what was happening in other areas, and gather more data about the extent of any problems.

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee approve:

a)    The continuation of the current dockless cycle hire policy until the Transport Strategy is adopted and the policy updated accordingly;

b)    The adoption of additional management measures for dockless cycle hire operations during this period; and

c)    Support to London Councils in their review of the potential for a London-wide byelaw to regulate dockless cycle hire.