URL: https://moderngov.sutton.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4236

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The motion was moved by Councillor James McDermott-Hill and seconded by Councillor Tony Shields.   An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor Christopher Woolmer and seconded by Councillor Jake Short.   Following debate the amendment was put to the vote and carried.   In accordance with Council procedure rule 15.2 a roll call vote was requested on the amended motion the result of which was as follows:   RESOLVED:   Council notes: 1.    Sutton High Street runs roughly 1.1 km from Sutton Green to Grove Road, offering a primarily level, accessible shopping and leisure route. 2.    Existing traffic measures already ban cars in certain parts of the High Street, creating a semi-pedestrianised zone. 3.    The increasing use of illegally modified electric bikes and e-scooters - some driven at high speeds or in violation of road rules - presents new risks. However, pedal bikes and e-bikes belong in the same classification for any traffic order. Therefore, any restriction on e-bikes will also restrict pedal bikes. 4.    The Council is already working with the Successful Sutton Business Improvement District to look at solutions for the small number of e-bike and e-scooter users who break the rules. 5.    London accident data shows a growing number of incidents and near-misses involving e-bikes or e-scooters. In 2022, the Metropolitan Police reported 64 casualties in accidents involving e-bikes across the whole of London, (a reduction on the previous year) while 106 were recorded in 2021 and the injuries were mainly slight (58) and to the driver (5 pedestrians were impacted). Any data on e-bikes needs to be treated with caution as there is not currently a consistent method of identifying e-bikes from pedal bikes in recording incidents and no agreed methodology for reporting ‘near misses’. Locally in the last 5 years there have been 7 accidents involving a pedal cycle on the HighStreet (from Grove Road to Oakhill Road) resulting in 4 slight injuries to cyclists and 3 serious injuries - 2 to cyclists and 1 to a pedestrian. 1 accident happened on the pedestrianised section of the High Street (resulting in a serious injury to a pedestrian in 2024). 6.    As a designated metropolitan centre under the London Plan, Sutton Town Centre must remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for residents, workers, and visitors. 7.    Enforcement of littering and fly-tipping on Sutton High Street is partly carried out by Kingdom enforcement officers. Residents have raised concerns about the conduct of individual Kingdom officers, all of which were thoroughly investigated. 8.    The cross-party Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee routinely holds Performance Sessions to scrutinise the performance of contractors including Kingdom enforcement officers where all members hold them to account. 9.    That both the previous Conservative and current Labour Governments actively encouraged councils to take a hard line against littering, including increasing fines with the expectation that Councils would do so.  10.That previous attempts to introduce safe cycling infrastructure in Sutton have been opposed by the Sutton Conservatives. 11.That in recent weeks pressure by Liberal Democrat MP Luke Taylor has led to positive Metropolitan Police action in Sutton Town Centre clamping down on modified e-scooters and e-bikes through joint working with the City of London Police.   Council believes: 1.    Sutton High Street should be safe and inclusive for all, particularly older residents, people with disabilities, and families with young children.  2.    Already existing pedestrianisation - with controlled access for deliveries, emergencies, and market logistics - enhance pedestrian safety, improves air quality, and supports a vibrant local economy, alongside the Council’s bold plans to invest in Sutton Town Centre. 3.    Current partial restrictions do not clearly address new transport risks posed by e-bikes and e-scooters. 4.    Existing enforcement powers solely lie with the Metropolitan Police which has been left chronically underfunded after 14 years of Conservative neglect and mismanagement. 5.    While enforcement carried out on behalf of the Council must be fair, respectful, proportionate, and aligned with the Council’s values, especially for vulnerable or minority communities, the Council should not act soft on littering as it detracts from the vibrancy of the local area if enforcement action is not taken to deter it. 6.    Encouraging active travel to and from Sutton Town Centre remains the most effective way to ensure our high streets thrive.   Council resolves to: 1.    Commission a feasibility study on introducing measures to manage inconsiderate bike use and illegal e-bike and scooter access on the existing pedestrianised High Street. Continue existing joined up working between Sutton Council, the Successful Sutton Business Improvement District and local businesses to provide practical, thought-through solutions to manage issues caused by e-bikes, e-scooters and delivery drivers in Sutton Town Centre that are sensitive to the needs of local residents and businesses. 2.    Compile and publish accident data from the past five years involving e-bikes and e-scooters, both on Sutton High Street and across the wider borough as far as is practicable to do so. 3.    Continue to consult local stakeholders - including residents, businesses, disability groups, transport providers, and emergency services - recognising that any changes in cycling restrictions on the High Street are dependent on safe cycling infrastructure parallel to or adjacent to the High Street - and on options to discourage the congregation of delivery drivers outside of restaurants on the pedestrianised high street without negatively impacting on High Street businesses. 4.    Continue to support active travel, School Streets and pedestrianisation efforts where residents, businesses and local organisations back the idea. 5.    Where necessary, present a report to the relevant committee soon as practically possible to do so, detailing recommended options, cost estimates, potential funding (e.g., TfL, GLA grants), and a draft timeline for implementation.  6.    Continue to review the current enforcement framework involving Kingdom officers. 7.     Request that the Lead Member for Community Safety and relevant Committee Chairs write to the Metropolitan Police to enquire about further use of police powers to deter dangerously fast riding of bikes; modified e-scooters and e-bikes in the pedestrianised town centre. 8.    Continue to investigate any allegation or complaint against enforcement officers in line with existing best practice and guidance.      

Date of Decision: April 28, 2025