Bath and North East Somerset Council back down on 'unfair' motorcycle parking charge plans

Bath and North East Somerset Council have shelved plans to impose ‘unfair’ emission-based parking charges for motorcycles. 

The proposal sought to hit bikers with parking fees to use council owned facilities, however, public backlash has seen the project scrapped – at least until a future consultation takes place. 

In a statement, the council said: “Introducing emission-based charges for motorbikes has been withdrawn due to feedback received through the public consultation and technical challenges in providing them a lower parking charge.” 

Councillor Manda Rigby, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for highways, previously stated: “Whilst it’s recognised that motorbikes may be less impactful on congestion, they continue to utilise road space and emit pollutants.”   

Biking organisations have continually spoken out against the charges, with IAM Roadsmart Policy and Research Director, Neil Greig labelling the plans as ‘unfair’. 

Should the changes have gone ahead, motorcyclists would have been required to pay comparable rates to cars, despite occupying a considerably smaller space. A sliding pollution-based rate was proposed, which would have added an additional 2.5% to the base charge per emissions band – or 5% per capacity band. 

A freedom of information request published by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) revealed the DVSA holds emissions data for just 10% of registered bikes – the group claim. 

That means the majority of motorcyclists liable for charges would’ve faced capacity-based fees with anything over 600cc occupying the most expensive tier. For reference, this would mean that a 50cc moped could be charged the same as a 1.5-litre car.  

MAG’s Director of Campaigns and Political Engagement, Colin Brown welcomed the decision, saying: “It’s great news that parking for bikes will stay free, but the council hinted this is only a pause, not a reversal. We must remain vigilant for future attempts to levy charges.”