Big Haul of Dangerous Vehicles in Latest Police Crackdown

13 e-bikes, scooters and mopeds seized at Putney Bridge junction

The haul of seized scooters, e-bikes and mopeds. Picture: Met Police

July 10, 2026

Putney’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams have carried out a fresh round of targeted traffic enforcement following growing concern about dangerous riding and illegal vehicles on the High Street. The latest operation, held at the junction of Putney High Street and Putney Bridge Road, resulted in 13 vehicle seizures and renewed calls for safer behaviour from riders and drivers.

The focus of the operation was illegal e‑bikes, though officers also stopped and checked mopeds, scooters and other vehicles passing through the junction. By the end of the deployment, police had seized three mopeds, seven e‑bikes and three scooters. During the operation, one officer was injured when an e‑bike rider failed to stop when directed, an incident that police say underscores the risks posed by non‑compliant and dangerous riding.

Acting Police Sergeant Gary Berry, who leads the Thamesfield and East Putney teams, said officers are acutely aware of how illegal vehicles and anti‑social riding affect residents, businesses and visitors. He emphasised that while officers cannot be present on the High Street at all times, they will continue to run proactive operations whenever resources allow, targeting those who place others at risk and taking “robust action” against offenders. More operations are already planned for the coming weeks.

The latest enforcement follows months of heightened attention on traffic offences in Putney. Towards the end of June Putney Neighbourhood Teams carried out a similar operation seizing 5 mopeds and 8 e-bikes with the riders all been summonsed to attend court for a variety of offences.

In March, officers stepped up patrols after residents raised concerns in a community survey about dangerous driving and the growing use of illegal two‑wheeled transport. Police issued a ticket to a man riding a one‑wheeled hoverboard on Lacy Road and stopped a 12‑year‑old boy using a private e‑scooter on the pavement, calling his mother to collect both child and scooter. Officers have also been investigating reports of a man riding a cargo bike at speed along the towpath between Putney Common and Putney Bridge, allegedly behaving aggressively while carrying a child.

Cycle patrols have since resumed across Thamesfield ward, with officers using both bicycles and foot patrols to maintain a visible presence. Police continue to remind residents that private e‑scooters remain illegal on public roads and pavements unless part of an approved rental scheme, and that activities such as street racing, cruising or performing tricks can be reported as anti‑social behaviour through the Met Police website.

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