Riders of electric bikes have been warned they could be slapped with hefty fines and have their vehicles seized for breaking rules in place across a major UK city.
Operation Lathyrus is set to launch in June, targeting anti-social e-bike use in Swansea city centre, with offenders facing tougher penalties.
The new joint operation will see officers crack down on the anti-social use of e-bikes in Swansea city centre, which has become a growing concern for residents.
The initiative comes as part of a broader Government crackdown on vehicle-driven anti-social behaviour, with new proposals announced earlier this week allowing police to seize and destroy cars, e-scooters or off-road bikes within 48 hours rather than the current 14-day waiting period.
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E-bike riders can be slapped with a £30 fine in Wales under current regulations
PA
The Swansea operation represents a coordinated response to tackle the growing problem of irresponsible e-bike usage in urban centres across Wales.
Following this educational phase, an enforcement phase will then take place to address offenders who persist in breaking the rules and causing further anti-social behaviour.
The crackdown follows feedback from local residents, businesses and visitors who have raised concerns regarding the irresponsible use of these bikes throughout the City Centre area, whether on pavements or in pedestrianised areas.
The operation specifically targets riders using e-bikes inappropriately in areas where pedestrians should feel safe and secure.
E-bike riders can face prosecution for failing to follow traffic rulesPAAt present, electric bikes are legally allowed on public roads and cycle paths in Wales as long as they comply with certain requirements.
According to the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (Amendment) Regulations 2015, e-bikes must have pedals, a maximum power output of 250 watts, and provide assistance only when the rider is pedalling.
Additionally, the electric assistance should cease once the bike reaches a speed of 15.5mph. Electric bike riders in Wales are expected to abide by the same safety regulations as cyclists, including wearing a properly fitting helmet and using lights and reflectors when riding at night or in low visibility conditions.
The punishment for riding a bike on the pavement is an immediate £30 fixed penalty notice fine under Schedule 3 and Section 51 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.
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City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Andrew Hedley said: "The increase in use of e-bikes and e-scooters has grown significantly over the past few years.
"Whilst many people adhere to the law when operating these, there remains a segment of people who think that the law does not apply to them. It is these who then cause anti-social behaviour and fear to those persons going about their daily routines.
"The operation sets out to educate riders in relation to the law and advise them of their actions. Anti-social use of these e-bikes and e-scooters will not be tolerated, and those continuing to break the law will be dealt with more robustly."
Inspector Hedley emphasised that police take all forms of anti-social behaviour seriously and work closely with partner agencies to tackle and prevent such incidents, responding directly to concerns raised by those affected.
Swansea Police will begin cracking down on e-bikes used anti-socially in the city from next week
SOUTH WALES POLICE
Swansea Councillor Robert Francis-Davies explained that a small minority of e-bike riders have been "spoiling it for the rest of us with their anti-social behaviour, we'd urge e-bike users to follow the rules."
Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID Manager, added: "Swansea city centre should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone, and we fully support Operation Lathyrus in helping to make that a reality.
"The rise in illegal and unsafe e-bikes poses a real risk to pedestrians and undermines the positive experience we work hard to create for visitors, businesses, and residents alike."
E-bike riders in Wales are expected to follow the same traffic rules that cyclists do, with riders needing to abide by the rules to avoid penalties and prosecution.
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