00:01Liverpool councillors from every political group are opposing Mersey Rail's planned
00:05ban on non-folding electric bikes. They have backed a motion calling on the operator to
00:10reverse the decision, which is due to take effect in January. The Green Party says the
00:15announcement was made without consulting local active travel or disability groups.
00:20Mersey Rail has defended the move, citing the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.
00:26The operator says fires can spread quickly, producing intense heat, smoke and toxic gases,
00:31particularly in enclosed spaces such as trains, tunnels and underground stations.
00:37Green Party leader Tom Crone wants Mersey Rail to reconsider and explore ways to manage the risks.
