Police stop riders and drivers in roadside checks on Edgware Road in Colindale

Police officers stopped motorbikes, mopeds and cars on Edgware Road in Colindale on the evening of Monday 28 September.

Footage shared with UB1UB2 shows several officers in high-visibility jackets on the road beside the car dealerships. Traffic cones narrowed the road, and a rider can be seen being waved through the checkpoint. Traffic slowed as riders and drivers passed through.

The Metropolitan Police has not said publicly what the officers were checking for, or whether any vehicles were seized or anyone was arrested.

What roadside checks usually cover

Stops like these are often aimed at riders and drivers who work on the roads, including food and parcel couriers. Officers commonly check that the rider or driver has a valid licence and insurance, that the vehicle is taxed and has an MOT where needed, and that the vehicle is roadworthy.

Electric bikes are also a focus. Under the law, an electrically assisted pedal cycle must have pedals that drive the motor, a motor of no more than 250 watts, and assistance that cuts out at 15.5mph. A bike that goes beyond these limits, or that has a throttle allowing it to move without pedalling, counts as a motor vehicle. That means it needs to be registered, taxed and insured, and the rider needs a licence.

Police can seize a vehicle that is being driven without insurance or a proper licence. Getting a seized vehicle back usually means showing valid documents and paying release and storage fees.

A wider crackdown on illegal e-bikes

The Met has been running repeated operations this year against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. Earlier in 2026, officers seized dozens of illegal e-bikes during days of focused activity in nearby Harlesden and in the West End, and made a number of arrests along the way.

Edgware Road, the A5, is one of the busiest routes in north-west London and runs along the border between Barnet and Brent. The stretch through Colindale has several car dealerships and large shops, and delivery riders use it heavily.

Colindale is policed by the Barnet Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, which work out of Colindale Police Station on Grahame Park Way. Local teams have listed proactive operations against offenders among their current priorities.

What riders and drivers can do

Anyone who rides or drives for work should carry or be able to show a valid licence and insurance that covers business use. Commuting-only or social cover does not usually extend to deliveries. E-bike riders should check that their bike meets the legal limits and has not been modified.

Anyone with information about crime in the area can contact the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.