Half-ton electric bike poses latest threat to London pedestrians

A Department for Transport spokesman would only say that it was up to police and the courts to make a decision, while both the Home Office and the Department for Housing and Communities, which oversees some council traffic enforcement powers, refused to comment.

During a test ride around Cityshuttle’s HQ in Southwark, The Telegraph took the e-Pack around the block. Despite its size and weight the vehicle was intuitive to handle.

A pair of cameras fitted where one would find wing mirrors, combined with two large tablet-sized screens in the cab, gave a clear view either side of the trailer.

A digital gearbox operated by a simple push button selects one of five acceleration modes, and there is also a handbrake to keep the half-ton cargo carrier stationary during loading and unloading.