UK’s biggest food delivery companies sign new charter to help make Greater Manchester roads safer

The UK’s three biggest food delivery companies have signed up to a new charter aimed at making the streets of Greater Manchester safer for all who use them.

Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats have all signed the new ‘Greater Manchester Food Delivery Charter’ alongside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Transport for Greater Manchester, the police and fire service.

It aims to create an industry standard for couriers who use bikes - including electrically-assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) and e-bikes  - to deliver food safely across Greater Manchester without endangering themselves or others.

Developed in collaboration with the food delivery companies and GMCA, the charter positively reinforces how couriers should ride safely and legally – on roadworthy bikes – at all times, with delivery schedules that are realistic and do not incentivise them to break the law. Under the charter, couriers are also encouraged to report collisions involving injury to the police to help identify hotspots and reduce incidents.

Food delivery couriers offer vital support to Greater Manchester’s hospitality sector, enabling local businesses to connect with more customers through quick deliveries on meals, grocery and retail items.

The number of food delivery couriers working across Greater Manchester has significantly increased as the industry and the population have grown. It is anticipated that 100,000 people will live in the city centre by 2026, highlighting the need for food delivery companies and Greater Manchester to work together as the demand for these types of services inevitably grows.

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester is committed to becoming a safer, healthier and more sustainable city region, with its Vision Zero strategy targeting zero deaths or life-changing injuries involving road traffic in GM by 2040.

The Food Delivery Charter will play an important role in achieving this, specifying the legal requirements and regulatory expectations of cyclist couriers  and fostering better collaboration between the companies and public sector in Greater Manchester.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Thousands of deliveries are made across Greater Manchester every day and many couriers ride safely and responsibly on our streets.

“By signing up today, Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat are showing us they are as serious as we are about making our streets safe for everyone– including the couriers themselves and pedestrians – and I am looking forward to us working together on this. 

”Collaborating with the three major delivery companies is a massive step forward, and we’ll regularly be getting around the table to tackle any issues that emerge.” 

There will also be regular ‘days of action’, presenting an opportunity for food delivery companies and Greater Manchester agencies to see what is being done on the ground to ensure the personal safety of couriers and the public. The first is due to take place in May.

These will include input from couriers on their experience while riding on Greater Manchester’s roads, as well as increased communication and guidance from the food delivery companies to couriers about expectations. The days of actions will also see the companies come together for progress meetings with the public sector to discuss any opportunities and issues.

Claire Pointon, Just Eat Managing Director UK and Ireland, said: “Just Eat is committed to supporting the high streets and communities in which we operate. We firmly believe courier safety is at the heart of a well-regulated rapid delivery sector. We support the introduction of the Charter and look forward to working with the Mayor and Transport for Greater Manchester to achieve our shared goal of improved road safety for all.

Andy Batty, Director of Operations at Deliveroo, said: “Our riders make a vital contribution to hospitality and retail businesses, supporting the vibrancy of Manchester’s high streets and bringing much-loved meals and groceries directly to doorsteps across Greater Manchester. 

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of riders and the communities in which they operate. That is why we are delighted to collaborate on the Great Manchester Food Delivery Charter, building on our existing road safety policies by setting a consistent industry standard that benefits everyone.”

Matthew Price, Regional General Manager, Uber Eats UKI & Northern Europe, said: “At Uber Eats we want to help people discover the amazing range of restaurants and shops that Manchester has to offer, and we believe safety has to be at the heart of that. We're really pleased to be working with the Mayor and Transport for Greater Manchester to launch this important Charter and collectively make a difference to road safety across the region.”

Rob McDonagh, Group Manager Prevention, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Over recent years the popularity and use of e-bikes has increased. But this has also coincided with an increase in the number of fires involving e-bikes, creating further demand for our firefighters to deal with. As a result, we are working to help prevent incidents happening in the first place.

"With many food delivery couriers now using e-bikes regularly, we welcome the GM Food Delivery Charter and the involvement of the main delivery companies as a way to raise awareness to their couriers on how to safely buy, charge, store, and use their e-bikes. This includes reminding couriers to only buy e-bikes and batteries from trusted retailers and manufacturers and to never charge or store their e-bike or battery in the hallway, or where it could block their escape if there was a fire.

"We also welcome the Charter's commitments to the Vision Zero strategy. We will continue to work with partners to make Greater Manchester's roads safer for everyone, by stopping deaths and serious injuries, which in turn will save valuable time for our firefighters and emergency service colleagues." 

The charter is supported by Greater Manchester Police, who are working with the food delivery companies to shape the communication to couriers to encourage the right behaviours on Greater Manchester’s streets.  Whilst many riders cycle safely and provide a valuable service to communities, the Road Policing Unit will take action against riders who do not comply with the law, in particular seizing illegally modified and dangerous electric bikes.

Police can also take action against dangerous cycling such as going through red traffic lights and cycling on the pavement – both of which could see cyclists issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Chief Inspector Michael Parker, of GMP's Roads Policing Unit, said: "Greater Manchester Police are proud to support the GM Food Delivery Charter. This links in with improving road safety and working towards our Vision Zero objective of making our roads safe for everyone – including delivery couriers – and eliminating road deaths by 2040.

"The charter provides advice and protection to both couriers and the public by encouraging delivery riders to use protective equipment, comply with road traffic legislation and report any collisions to help us identify any hotspots. It’s important as cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users.

"GMP’s Road Policing Unit will continue to undertake dedicated enforcement operations and take action against riders who do not comply with the law by seizing illegally modified and dangerous electric bikes and taking positive action against dangerous cycling, including contravening red lights and cycling on the pavement."

Alongside the publication of this charter, Greater Manchester will continue, with other UK city regions, to engage with central government on national measures to improve the safety standards of food deliveries.