Free bike parking scrapped permanently

Free motorcycle parking will be scrapped for good from Monday under a decision by London’s Westminster City Council.

A controversial trial of charging riders will be made permanent under a new bylaw. 
Announcing its decision, Westminster said: “The permanent traffic orders will come into force from Monday 25 January.”

But campaigners believe the move can still be defeated in court. The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) is urging riders to donate to a “legal fighting fund” which has already reached £30,000. The group says action is needed to save free bike parking nationally.

A spokesman said: “Westminster City Council’s decision to make permanent their controversial scheme for motorcycle parking charges could have national implications and therefore makes it more important than ever that motorcyclists fight this retrograde move…

“Currently standing at some £30,000, the fund needs at least another £20,000 to meet the expected minimum legal costs of £50,000.”

Warren Djanogly, leader of the campaign group No to the Bike Parking Tax (NTBPT), said the council’s “decision to make the scheme permanent has opened a window for us to launch a full legal challenge”.

Chris Hodder, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive, said: “The only option now available is to overturn the scheme in the courts.

“If we don’t, this could spell the nationwide end of free parking for motorcycles. Now is the time to stand up and be counted and support the NTBPT fighting fund.”

Since August Westminster has charged riders to use roadside motorcycle parking bays which are traditional free. The daily charge currently stands at £1.

Find more details on the legal fund and the next demo ride at www.notobikeparkingtax.com