Police seized 15 illegal e-bikes during a targeted operation to improve safety in Nottingham city centre.
The offences identified included bikes that had been modified to exceed legal speed limits, machines capable of operating without pedal assistance, and riders using vehicles without the appropriate licence or insurance where required.
As well as enforcing the law, officers engaged with riders throughout the operation, providing advice on the regulations governing electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) and highlighting the dangers associated with illegally modified bikes.
The enforcement activity formed part of ongoing efforts – called Operation Reclaim – to tackle anti-social behaviour and build a safe and welcoming environment for residents, workers and visitors in the city centre.
The e-bikes were seized during proactive police patrols on Tuesday, the same day new face-covering restrictions came into effect in the city centre.
Nottingham is among the first cities in the UK to introduce restrictions on the wearing of balaclavas and other face coverings in certain circumstances. The new powers allow officers to require someone to remove a face covering where they reasonably believe it is being used to conceal their identity while committing a crime or engaging in anti-social behaviour, or to intimidate, harass, alarm or distress others.
Anyone who refuses to comply could face a £70 fixed penalty notice or prosecution, with courts able to impose fines of up to £1,000.
While officers did not encounter any circumstances requiring the use of the new powers during Tuesday’s operation, the e-bike seizures and a string of other positive results meant it was a successful day.
Other positive results from Tuesday’s patrols included:
– A 17-year-old boy was arrested for being in possession of 10 bags of cannabis in Old Market Square. Officers seized the drugs along with a balaclava found in his possession. He was interviewed and bailed while further investigation work takes place.
– A 36-year-old man was issued with a community resolution after a small amount of cannabis was found in his sock during a search in Old Market Square.
– A 33-year-old man was arrested in Old Market Square for possession of cannabis and breaching court-imposed bail conditions that prohibited him from entering the city centre. He was subsequently charged with both offences.
– A 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged for breaching bail conditions. He was spotted in Nottingham city centre with a person he was prohibited from associating with.
– A 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with supplying controlled drugs and failing to answer bail.
Inspector Paul Ferguson, of the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“It is encouraging that officers did not need to use the city’s new face-covering powers during Tuesday’s operation, with no incidents that warranted requiring anyone to remove a balaclava or other face covering.
“However, the operation did identify a number of other offences, including illegally modified e-bikes being ridden in the city centre and five males suspected of committing criminal offences.
“The seizure of 15 illegal e-bikes, alongside these arrests, demonstrates our commitment to tackling criminality and anti-social behaviour wherever it occurs. We will continue to take robust action against those who break the law, while also educating riders about the legal requirements surrounding e-bikes and working with our partners to help ensure Nottingham city centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Police are reminding the public that an e-bike must meet specific legal requirements to be classified as an electrically assisted pedal cycle. Bikes that do not comply may be treated as motor vehicles, meaning riders could require insurance, vehicle registration and a driving licence.
