Locals in this "posh" town are furious after the council decided to install hundreds of e-bike bays without telling locals. Merton Council is set to install 350 rental bike spots as part of a wider scheme by London mayor Sadiq Khan to prevent poorly parked e-bikes from being left on pavements.

Locals are furious as there is already not enough parking in the area. Resident Nahia Khan says the bays have only increased car parking space competition. She told the Mail: “Even before the e-bike bay was introduced, it was often difficult to find a spot near home, especially in the evenings or on weekends. Many of us have spent far too long circling nearby streets or parking a good distance away.”

Khan, who lives on a street with e-bike parking, has started a petition demanding Merton reconsider the installation of the bays.

She added: “The removal of even one space, especially without warning, has a ripple effect. It's not just a single car space gone: it's added stress, competition, and tension for already limited parking. 

“For people with mobility issues, young children, or those working shifts, it makes life harder. Many of us depend on our cars - they're not just a luxury, they're essential to how we live.”

One resident said: “(A bay) appeared recently and has taken away a valuable parking space. It's a blight on the street. I've only seen one bike left actually in the bay - others have just been scattered on the pavement nearby.”

Locals say that they were not consulted on the decision to install the e-bike bays. Khan said that “there's genuine frustration” about the situation.

“We only found out about the e-bike bay after it had been installed. No letters, no leaflets, no notices. It feels like something was done to us, not with us - and that's what stings most.”

Merton Council says that all procedures were followed, with consultations taking place. A spokesman for the council said: “Every bay that is on the road is subject to a statutory consultation. These are advertised at the locations, as well as online, and in local newspapers. 

“While these consultations are not votes, we will review plans where respondents identify serious shortcomings to any particular bay - indeed, a number of proposed bays have been withdrawn or adjusted as a result of feedback.”

The council estimated the project would cost £140,000, but previous documents said two bays could cost £2,630, putting the total at £463,750.