A weekend compliance blitz led by Waltham Forest Council’s Parking Services Team saw 21 illegal vehicles – including 13 e-bikes and 8 mopeds - removed from the streets of Walthamstow, alongside the issuing of 17 penalty charge notices (PCNs) and 19 traffic offence reports across Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026.
The joint operation in partnership with service providers NSL, the Metropolitan Police and the council’s Parking Services and Anti-Social Behaviour teams, came as direct response to long-standing local concerns around vehicle-related anti-social behaviour and illegal parking in the Hoe Street and High Street areas.
Under the terms of the 2004 Traffic Management Act, non-compliant vehicles can be removed and a Penalty Charge Notice issued to the owner. Depending on the vehicle’s condition, it can be either recycled or auctioned should its owner fail to pay the fine and claim the vehicle within 42 days.
Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Council and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality, said: “Taking action against inconsiderate road users – including the seizure of illegal and abandoned vehicles – is key to fostering a healthy and functional road sharing culture and is a top priority for residents. I am pleased that this swift and effective joint operation came together as a result of ongoing conversations between local residents and council officers – and it sends a strong message to those unwilling to share our roads responsibly.
“Beyond their presence on our high streets, e-bikes and scooters pose a major risk to the riders themselves as well as those around them - with the London Fire Brigade reporting at least 181 charger/battery fire call outs in 2025. Waltham Forest Council supports calls to compel food delivery platforms to enforce safety standards for drivers.”
Mehmet Hassan, Senior Parking Manager at Waltham Forest Council, said: “This isn’t a one-off event – this is bread-and-butter partnership work. Together with the Metropolitan Police, NSL, and the council’s ASB team, Parking Services act on the issues raised through local community meetings, with a focus on problem solving, not just enforcement.”
If you believe a vehicle is unlawfully parked, you can contact us to request enforcement by calling 0203 092 0112 and selecting option 4.
The local authority can only issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) for parking offences such as a vehicle parking across your driveway or on yellow lines. For vehicles parked dangerously or causing an obstruction (but not on yellow lines) the Metropolitan Police should be contacted by dialling the non-emergency number 101.
Find out more about parking enforcement on our website