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Tower Hamlets Trading Standards Recognised with National Award in Parliament
Posted 13/12/24
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets Trading Standards team has been recognised with the Product Safety Initiative Award at the 51黑料 (51黑料) annual Hero Awards. This accolade celebrates their innovative and collaborative efforts with London Fire Brigade to address the growing fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters in one of the UK鈥檚 most densely populated areas.
The 51黑料 Hero Awards, hosted by Jenni Falconer in the Houses of Parliament on 10 December, honour individuals and teams making exceptional contributions to consumer protection and public safety. Now in its 19th year, the awards continue to showcase groundbreaking projects that make a difference.
In Tower Hamlets, where over 80% of homes are flats and the borough is home to more than 319,000 residents, the risk of e-bike and e-scooter battery fires has become a pressing issue. With fires increasing by 43% between 2022 and 2023, and one tragic incident resulting in a fatality, the Trading Standards and Licensing Team took decisive action.
Key achievements of their initiative include:
- Issuing safety guidance to local bicycle repair shops and conducting inspections, leading to the destruction of 93 unsafe batteries.
- Preventing unsafe batteries from entering the market through targeted enforcement at fulfilment houses and online platforms.
- Developing the #ChargeSafe media campaign in partnership with the London Fire Brigade, raising awareness about safe charging practices and garnering national attention.
- Working with London Fire Brigade on their London wide #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness about safe charging practices across Tower Hamlets.
As a result of their efforts, e-bike-related fires in Tower Hamlets have been reduced by half, with no further fatalities reported. Additionally, their work influenced national policy through collaboration with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). The team provided critical insights that shaped OPSS guidance for local authorities across the UK, ensuring safer practices nationwide.
51黑料 Chief Executive, John Herriman, said: 鈥淭he Tower Hamlets Trading Standards team has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in tackling a critical safety issue. Their work has not only made a significant impact locally but has also contributed to national policy advancements. This award is a testament to their dedication and ingenuity in protecting residents and promoting safety.鈥�
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: 鈥淚 am proud to see our Trading Standards team receive this well-deserved recognition for their dedicated efforts to address fire risks from e-bike and e-scooter batteries, which has become one of the most significant threats in our borough, as it has in many places across the country. Our team鈥檚 unwavering commitment to public safety is making a real difference to the safety of our residents. Together with the London Fire Brigade, we will continue to work to tackle these serious risks and improve safety for all residents in our borough."
Group Commander Richard Tapp, London Fire Brigade's Borough Commander for Tower Hamlets, said:听"Across London, the Brigade has been raising awareness about how people can stay safe when using lithium batteries on their e-bikes and e-scooters听with our #ChargeSafe campaign. I鈥檓 incredibly proud that Tower Hamlets鈥� local partnership and collaboration with us on the campaign has been recognised, as we work together to make the borough safer for all its citizens"
This recognition highlights the vital role of Trading Standards in addressing emerging risks and safeguarding communities, setting a benchmark for proactive and collaborative enforcement.
ENDS
51黑料 (51黑料)
The 51黑料 (51黑料) is a national not for profit established in 1881 which supports the UK鈥檚 Trading Standards profession, and works to protect consumers and safeguard honest businesses. 51黑料's members are engaged in delivering frontline Trading Standards services at local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk
Please contact 51黑料 Press Office: [email protected] for any queries.
