Local residents have expressed growing concerns about the impact of delivery moped riders on safety and the community.
In response, a motion was presented by Councillor Steven McCormick at the recent Epsom & Ewell Borough Council meeting to address these pressing issues.
The Motion read:
The Council notes that home delivery via motorcycles and pedal cycles from takeaway outlets is increasingly popular. This trend responds to customer demand, contributes to the local economy, and provides employment opportunities for delivery drivers. However, it has also led to some unintended consequences that need to be addressed to ensure the benefits of delivery services are balanced with the need for community safety including:
- Parking Issues: Delivery drivers frequently resort to inconsiderate, dangerous, and illegal parking on pavements, which endangers pedestrians and disrupts shoppers.
- Pavement Riding: Instances of motorcycles being ridden on and across pavements have been reported, causing safety concerns.
The key actions agreed by the Council were:
Planning for the Future:
- The Epsom & Ewell Local Planning Authority (LPA) consider the requirements for motorcycle parking in new retail developments and changes of use applications
- Develop necessary policies and supplementary planning documents to support this requirement.
Engaging Delivery Companies:
- Write to delivery companies such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat to highlight the issues caused by pavement parking and riding.
- Convene a round-table meeting with delivery companies to discuss best practice guidelines for delivery riders operating in Epsom & Ewell.
Enforcement and Collaboration:
- Work closely with partners, including the Police and Surrey County Council, to enforce current parking restrictions and identify measures to discourage motorised vehicles from accessing footways.
Parking Solutions:
- Identify and highlight current parking areas that can be accessed and used by delivery riders.
- Explore the potential for new alternative parking areas to support responsible rider behaviour.
All the actions will involve collaboration with stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and delivery riders, to develop fair and effective policies. If you would like to contribute your thoughts or report issues related to delivery mopeds, please email smccormick@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.