Merton Council has warned it may begin seizing abandoned Lime electric bikes after complaints of congestion near Wimbledon Park during the opening day of the Wimbledon tennis championships. The council highlighted concerns over thousands of fans using the rental e-bikes and then leaving them inappropriately, causing obstructions on roads and pavements around the venue.

To address increased demand and prevent clutter, Merton and neighboring Wandsworth councils collaborated with e-bike operators and Wimbledon organizers to establish temporary parking bays in and around the tournament site. Despite these measures, Merton Council expressed disappointment that some users disregarded the rules intended to manage bike parking effectively.

The local authority has called for an urgent meeting with Lime and Forest, another e-bike company operating in the area, to discuss the situation and explore further steps. Merton Council’s spokesman indicated the potential for the seizure of improperly parked vehicles if the problem persists.

Lime responded by confirming it had deployed additional staff and introduced new parking bays in high-demand locations to improve management. A company representative stated that as the tournament’s first day unfolded, they were closely monitoring the situation and planned to adjust operations as necessary. Lime emphasized its commitment to continued cooperation with both the event organizers and local authorities.

The issue underscores the challenges cities face in balancing the convenience of shared micro-mobility services during major events with the need to maintain clear and safe public spaces.