In a day of action last Friday (July 25), Blackburn’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, backed by the Road Policing Unit, removed 24 illegal vehicles from the roads — including e-bikes, e-scooters, and dangerously modified cycles.
The targeted operation is part of Operation Centurion, a wider effort across Lancashire to tackle anti-social behaviour and the growing problem of nuisance vehicles.
Police say the majority of the bikes were seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act, meaning they had no insurance or licence. Those seized won’t be returned and will be crushed, ensuring they’re no longer a threat to the public.
As part of the clampdown, officers were also using a new fleet of on-and-off-road police motorcycles, launched earlier that week. These allow officers to access parks, back alleys, and off-road areas previously hard to patrol.
Inspector Dean Skelton said:
“We know from our Lancashire Talking surveys that illegal e-bikes and scooters are a top concern for residents. These vehicles are often ridden dangerously in town centres without the correct insurance or licence. Some have even been adapted at home, making them a serious safety hazard.”
He added:
“This operation isn’t about punishing people—it’s about public safety. These bikes can also be used for drug dealing and other crimes. We’re acting on your concerns and we’ll keep taking action.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw welcomed the operation, highlighting the risks posed by reckless riding:
“The unlawful use of e-bikes and scooters is one of the biggest concerns raised by communities. I’ve long called for tougher legislation, and I’m pleased to see stronger powers now being used to get these dangerous vehicles off our streets.”
He added that new specialist police bikes have been deployed across the county to respond directly to these concerns.
The crackdown comes amid rising reports of e-vehicles being used dangerously on pavements, through pedestrian zones, and in public parks, posing serious risks to public safety.
Police are urging residents to continue reporting nuisance vehicles, which helps build a clearer picture and target future enforcement.
You can report illegal or nuisance e-bikes and scooters by visiting: lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/lancashire-tackling-asb or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
