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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.