Mayor agrees to look into ‘unintended consequences’ of Met crackdown on illegal e-bikes

The Mayor admitted to Caroline Russell AM that there may well be ‘unintended consequences’ on his planned crackdown of illegal e-bikes.

Caroline questioned the Mayor about the plans laid out in his Vision Zero Action Plan 2, that promises the Met will use ‘robust’ tactics, including roadside stops, seizures, and controversial live facial recognition technology.

The Mayor recognised there may be ‘unintended consequences’ to his plans and agreed to look again at the tactics.

Caroline Russell, Green Party Member of the London Assembly, says:

“The e-bikes used by some delivery riders are like unlicenced motorbikes with a throttle, and absolutely need regulation, but I’m worried about the Met crackdown, and that some of our city’s most exploited workers will be exposed to tactics we know are disproportionately deployed.

“Until e-bikes are regulated, and workers can get help from the companies who employ them to get safe, affordable bikes, it doesn’t make sense to further marginalise people who are trying to make ends meet.

“Fixing this sits with the Government bringing in proper legislation to control illegal e-bikes and for gig economy companies taking responsibility for the safety of their workers. Without these first steps a crackdown will only harm riders without solving the problem.”

The Mayor in his response to Caroline congratulated her on her assiduous campaigning, and said: “Through her I’ve met victims and bereaved families and it changes you – she should get recognition – she was quite powerful in educating me about what happens after an accident and support will now be given to RTA victims in perpetuity, down to her lobbying.”

During the exchange at March’s Mayor’s Question Time, the Mayor also agreed to look into proposals for a new, national peer-to-peer support online support service for victims and survivors of road collisions, after the collapse of charity RoadPeace who formerly ran specialist services.

The Mayor’s Vision Zero Action Plan 2 (VZAP2), was published this month, it incorporates many of the recommendations Caroline set out in her July 2025 report, Changing the Narrative – Ending the Acceptance of Road Death in London. [1]

The Mayor’s new action plan includes supporting boroughs to expand 20mph limits, delivering 1,000 new pedestrian crossings, growing the cycle network, introducing 200 new School Streets and establishing a pan-London Road Danger Reduction team to tackle the most dangerous driving offences, all aimed at making London’s streets safer and reducing deaths and serious injuries.

Caroline Russell’s 2025 report, Changing the Narrative – Ending the Acceptance of Road Death in London was produced specifically to inform the development of the Mayor’s latest Vision Zero strategy. The report brought together evidence and testimony from campaigners, crash survivors, and bereaved families and set out 27 recommendations to help reduce road danger across the city. Many of these are reflected in the Mayor’s new plan, which shows that sustained pressure can deliver the change needed.