Merseyside Police continue enforcement activity as part of Operation Gears

Officers have continued targeted enforcement activity in Liverpool as part of Operation Gears, resulting in seven arrests and the seizure of nine illegal vehicles last week.

The arrests were made during proactive Op Gears patrols in the areas of Old Swan, Wavertree and Anfield, for a range of offences, including:

• Possession of Class A drugs
• Possession of Class B drugs
• Possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine
• Robbery

In addition, officers issued a number of road traffic offences for riding without insurance, with several vehicles removed from the streets as a result.

Operation Gears is Merseyside Police’s ongoing commitment to tackling dangerous, illegal and anti-social vehicle use across the region, making communities safer for residents, businesses and road users. Since January 2025, officers have seized more than 1,100 illegal vehicles across Merseyside.

As part of the week’s activity, officers engaged with riders to clarify the rules around electric bikes. For an electric bike to be road-legal without requiring insurance, tax or a driving licence, it must meet the Government’s Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) standards. This means, among other requirements, that the motor must only assist while the rider is pedalling and must cut out at 15.5mph.

Any electric bike that does not meet EAPC requirements is classed as a motor vehicle, meaning the rider must have the correct licence, insurance and safety equipment. Police will continue to seize non-compliant bikes being used illegally.

Merseyside Police are also reminding the public that privately-owned electric scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes. Only e-scooters rented through an approved scheme may be used legally and must be operated in line with scheme rules and road traffic legislation.

Illegal use of private e-scooters may result in the vehicle being seized and offences being reported.

Chief Inspector Andrew Fielding said: “Our officers are committed to keeping our roads safe and taking action against those who use illegal or dangerous vehicles.

“The range of arrests made – from drug possession to robbery – highlights that some individuals continue to use these vehicles to support or commit criminal activity. Our aim is to stop this and ensure that it cannot continue.

“At the same time, we want to keep our roads safe for those who ride legally and responsibly, and we will continue to support and protect them through our enforcement activity.”

Operation Gears will continue with further proactive patrols, enforcement activity and engagement across Merseyside. The force has undertaken a range of bike‑marking initiatives, targeted enforcement, and proactive interventions, which has contributed to a reduction in related offences across the city. For more information, visit: Operation Gears | Merseyside Police