Closing the Full Council debate on enforcement on 11 November, Cllr Caroline Sargent, Cabinet Member for Enforcement, set out what has changed since May: "Residents asked for stronger enforcement. Since May, we are delivering it."
Dockless bikes
Around 6,000 fixed penalty notices have been issued for dockless bike obstructions since May. Since 2 July, the council has also been seizing bikes using its powers under Section 149 of the Highways Act. "These powers have existed for a long time. Labour chose not to use them." More than 1,600 bikes have been seized. "If bikes are left obstructing our streets, enforcement will follow."
Clean streets, licensing and short-term lets
City inspectors have delivered almost 2,000 clean streets enforcement actions, and the graffiti squad is cleaning up within 12 hours in many locations. Unlicensed tables and chairs are being removed from the Edgware Road, and warning letters and investigations are under way against short-term let abuse, including on social housing.
Antisocial behaviour
Officers describe this year's antisocial behaviour enforcement as the strongest the service has ever achieved, with 15 times more community protection warnings issued. Westminster is the first local authority in London to secure respect orders, and is supporting the police's use of live facial recognition: in one session last week, there were six arrests.
"We are making it absolutely clear that those who repeatedly ignore the rules will face the consequences."
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