Kensington and Chelsea is first council to introduce permit-only motorcycle bays

As part of the scheme, some existing visitor motorcycle bays will become permit-only. The capacity of existing visitor motorcycle bays will be increased in areas of high demand. In addition, all motorcycle resident permit-only bays will have high security ground anchors installed.

To offset the cost of the scheme and the improved security facilities, the Council will be increasing the cost of a motorcycle parking permit from £18 to £50 in 2007.A discounted permit of £35 will be offered to those residents holding a nationally recognised advanced rider certificate.

There are 187 existing motorcycle bays in the Royal Borough with a capacity of 1,564 motorcycles. Under the new scheme, a network of bays providing exclusive parking for a total of 2,630 motorcycles will be created.

Motorcyclists currently have a number of parking options available: parking in residents' parking bays with a permit, in designated motorcycle bays without charge or time limit (for both residents and visitors), or in pay and display bays where they are treated in the same way as a car.

The move follows a full-scale review of facilities available to motorcyclists, both residents and visitors. Cllr Daniel Moylan, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Planning Policy, Housing Policy and Transportation, said: "Demand for motorcycle parking has increased significantly since the introduction of the congestion charge in 2003 and this is almost certain to continue when the congestion charge zone is extended, against the Council's wishes, in February 2007. By introducing specialised parking bays for motorcyclists we will be able to accommodate this trend and ensure that all motorcycles are parked safely."

The Council says the scheme will benefit both residents and motorcyclists by re-locating motorcycles from general resident parking bays where they are vulnerable to being knocked over by other parking vehicles to dedicated bays, where it is possible to provide security features.

The Council has developed the proposals for motorcycle bays in consultation with interested parties including the British Motorcyclists Federation, Motorcycle Action Group and the Motorcycle Industry Federation.