Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 29, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Council Notes:   That there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of delivery motorbikes across London since 2019, driven by the rise in app-based delivery platforms, during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.   The majority of this is driven by local demand, with the average journey for a JustEat, Deliveroo and UberEats rider being approximately 2 miles for hot food and 2.5 miles for cold food and groceries.   That local businesses have increasingly come to rely on takeaways and home deliveries from app-based platforms; and most local restaurants have ceased to provide their own takeaway delivery.   That as well as restaurants, many convenience stores and minimarts are now also increasingly turning to home delivery via app-based platforms as a revenue stream given public demand for this service.  This results in increased delivery motorbike traffic, in particular around areas with a concentration of restaurants. This has been most notable around town centre locations in Eltham, Woolwich and Greenwich but is not isolated to these locations alone, with other notable areas around New Eltham, Avery Hill Trafalgar/Woolwich Road, the Royal Standard and Plumstead.  That this has led to instances of user conflict, including the inconsiderate and illegal parking of delivery bikes.  The challenges in tackling illegal parking, with illegally parked motorbikes rarely being in place, unattended, for the required time for a PCN to be legally issued. In 2014 Councils were prohibited from using CCTV to issue fines for on-street parking violations, which prevents the Council from effectively addressing this issue.  That app-based delivery platforms engage delivery riders on a self-employed basis – denying them sick pay, pension contributions, holiday or parental leave – and with strict time targets for deliveries that can encourage irresponsible practices.   That in June 2025 the Government secured a commitment from the major app-based platforms (Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat) to strengthen verification checks on delivery riders to clamp down on illegal working, with a strengthened industry standard having come into place in September 2025.   That steps have previously been taken to address the issues arising from delivery riders in Town Centre areas, in particular around Eltham High Street. In 2022 motorcycle bays were introduced outside 67 and 142 Eltham High Street to address persistent issues with delivery riders occupying parking spaces which was reducing access for visitors. In 2024 existing motorcycle bays on Polytechnic Street in Woolwich were extended, and data indicates that they are being well used.   That the Council have engaged in discussions with other Councils across London to share and learn from best practice, consider the viability of technology based solutions and means of engaging with the app-based providers to address common issues.     Council Believes:   That despite the progress that has been made, there is still more to do so that we can address the issues of irresponsible delivery rider parking and other activity that inconveniences local residents both on Eltham High Street and across the Borough.   That much of the user conflict arises from the poor working conditions that delivery riders are forced to work under by the app-based providers. Riders are expected to meet unrealistic delivery time targets, meaning there are instances of inconsiderate or illegal parking, as well as unsafe driving.   That delivery riders working for app-based platforms should be treated like regular employees, with proper employment rights, the option for regular hours as well as fairer treatment with respect to the expectations around deliveries.   That some of the conflict also arises from a shortage of dedicated parking bays for delivery motorbike riders near popular restaurants and other locations.   That dedicated motorcycle bays at a distance from the locations driving demand, and/or stringent no return rules would likely result in an increase in illegal and antisocial parking as delivery riders revert to the status quo. This Council therefore believes that dedicated bays must be in close proximity to the restaurants and other businesses that are driving the demand for motorbike delivery riders if they are to prove to be effective at addressing issues of conflict between delivery riders and pedestrians, drivers and residents at these locations.          Council Resolves to:   Continue work to identify appropriate dedicated motorcycle parking spots and waiting zones at key locations. The Council have identified the key areas of conflict, and are considering the potential location of new or additional motorcycle bays and shelters (to encourage delivery riders to wait away from collection points) so that we can appropriately manage delivery rider demand, support local businesses and address issues of antisocial or illegal behaviour.  Continue enforcement against those motorbike delivery riders parked in prohibited bays or outside bay markings including illegal pavement parking.  Continue to work with residents, Councillors, businesses and the delivery riders themselves to identify other locations across the borough where dedicated motorcycle bays or waiting zones are appropriate.  Continue our collaboration with key stakeholders, including neighbouring Councils and the Police, to share knowledge regarding different approaches to resolving the issues that arise from current practices around app based delivery platforms.