Labour charges for parking in new ‘war on motorcycles’

LABOUR-LED London councils have been accused of pursuing an “anti-motorcycle agenda” over plans to charge the vehicles for parking.

Motorcycling campaign groups have attacked the moves by boroughs such as Hackney, Lewisham and Islington, which have brought in, or are bringing in, charges. This comes despite nearly all other councils in the country letting motorbikes park free of charge.

In the case of Hackney, this could see motorcyclists being forced to pay as much as £2,300 across the year.

Save London Motorcycling (SLM) accused the boroughs of having an “irrational bias” against motorcycles.

The union GMB said it would make it more expensive for business and could push some businesses out of certain areas.

Hackney has said it is bringing in the charges to tackle the issue of toxic air and encourage more people to walk and cycle.

Mete Coban, Hackney council cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “The principle of emissions-based charging is one that is helping to reduce CO2 emissions and tackle pollution in Hackney, and that’s why it’s so important.” The council added it was pausing the implementation to listen to campaigner’s concerns.

However, the National Motorcyclists Council argued that the charges were being put in place for electric motorcycles, too, and accused the borough of pursuing an “anti-motorcycle agenda”.

Craig Carey-Clinch, executive director at the NMC, said: “It is very disappointing that given the congestion and CO2 reduction benefits which come from motorcycle use, it is pursuing disproportionate parking charges.”

Other authorities have brought in more modest charges, but campaign groups said that riders caught without a parking ticket could face fines. Motorcyclists in Islington have already been hit with fines of up to £80.

A source from SLM said: “We have been caught up in their war on anything with a motor and a licence due to the baseless prejudice of a few ill-informed but influential individuals in certain key positions.

“Anti-motorcycle policies are an attack on working people. These policies mean London is becoming the preserve of a small group of the time and money-rich.”

The dispute comes as some London riders are preparing for new charges under the Mayor of London’s ultra-low emmissions zone expansion.