CITY centre residents are calling for food delivery couriers to wear compulsory numbered jackets.

Residents are asking the Scottish and UK Governments to make the identifiable numbers mandatory for delivery cyclists, particularly those riding e-bikes, so they can be traced in the event of an accident.

Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) said the move is necessary because of the number of “collisions and near misses” that have occurred in Glasgow over the past few years and they are calling on both parliaments and police to take action.

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A MCTCC spokesperson said: “These e-bikers are predominantly food delivery drivers working on behalf of companies like Deliveroo and Just Eat.

“Their machines are often not fitted with a speed limiter, restricting them to the UK’s legal maximum level of 15.5 miles per hour.

“It’s common to see them riding on pavements and pedestrian walkways, often without lights after dusk.

“Many such cyclists are careful and courteous riders, but others are putting people’s lives at risk by driving far too fast in the wrong areas.

“Making them wear an identifiable jacket or bag would help track down an offender and allow their insurance policy and registration to be checked.

“We are demanding that measures are introduced quickly before more people get hurt – or worse.”

MTCC officers say they have discussed their concerns with senior Glasgow police, MSP Kaukab Stewart and Alison Thewliss, who was the MP for Glasgow Central, and were told meetings have been held with management of the main food delivery companies.

Kaukab Stewart, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, said: "After meeting with Merchant City and Trongate Community Council and constituents to hear their concerns, I have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport to enquire what powers the Scottish Parliament and local authorities have on introducing any licensing or insurance requirements.

“I take the concerns raised with me very seriously and believe we need to share our travel routes responsibly.

“I will continue to liaise with Police Scotland regarding this matter, and have been reassured that they are continuing to take action where breaches of the highway code and other relevant legislation are being observed.”

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Superintendent Steven Meikle, Greater Glasgow Division, said: “The issue of illegal e-bikes and dangerous riding in the city centre was identified as a top road safety concern, with police receiving complaints directly from the public and other sources.

“In response to complaints, officers have carried out pro-active enforcement in the city.

“Officers have also been speaking to users as our focus is on educating riders on safety and legislative requirements, however, where necessary, we will use enforcement action.

“We all need to be responsible for each other’s safety, and that means cyclists, motorists and pedestrians, have to abide by the rules of the road.

“I would encourage anyone with information or concerns about potentially illegal e-bike or e-scooter activity to speak to officers on patrol in Glasgow City Centre or call Police Scotland on 101.”

The Glasgow Times reported in August last year that residents in Garnethill were also calling for a crackdown on e-bikes in pedestrianised areas and they suggested bikes should have a registration plate so the riders can be identified.

 A Just Eat spokesperson said: “The safety of couriers, road users and the public is a key priority for Just Eat and all couriers delivering on our behalf must ensure they follow all local laws and rules of the road.

"If we are ever made aware that a courier delivering on our behalf has acted in a way that does not uphold the standards we hope to deliver, we do not hesitate in taking action, which could include revoking the courier from our network.”

A spokesperson for Deliveroo added: "Road safety is of the utmost priority for Deliveroo. During the onboarding process, every rider completes a programme of road safety guidance and are required to meet minimum safety standards.

"As with all road users, riders must follow all local traffic laws and road regulations.

"We also hold regular rider roadshows which involve engagement with local councils and riders on road safety issues relevant to the area.

"If incidents are reported to us we investigate and work with the authorities to take appropriate action where necessary."