Council launches cycle patrols to boost coverage and cut carbon

Cheshire West and Chester Council has rolled out parking enforcement using cycles across Chester, strengthening parking enforcement while reducing reliance on vans and cutting carbon emissions.

As the service has grown, keeping on top of parking compliance beyond the city centre had increasingly required vehicle use. While foot patrols remain the mainstay of city‑centre enforcement, cycles have been introduced as a sustainable alternative for outer beats, neighbourhoods, and connecting routes.

Three existing Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) volunteered to pilot the new role. The Council partnered with BikeRight to deliver cycle proficiency training, ensuring officers were confident riding in busy traffic and around larger vehicles.

To ensure high visibility while remaining clearly identifiable as CEOs, a bespoke uniform was introduced using high‑visibility yellow and orange with clear CEO branding.  The bikes used are fully equipped for everyday use, and officers now split their time between cycle and foot patrols.

Since deployment in January this year, officers now combine cycle and foot patrols, extending coverage without increasing vehicle journeys.

The CEOs have said that using a bike has completely changed how they work.  They can cover more ground, respond quickly and engage positively with the public.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“Introducing cycle enforcement was about finding a smarter, greener way to support compliance. Cycle enforcement is practical, efficient, and supports our wider push for active travel.  It’s reduced our reliance on vans while helping officers work more flexibly, and the feedback we’ve received has been extremely positive.”