The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea launches motorcycle parking improvements

News Release

12 March 2008                                

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea today launched its innovative new motorcycle parking scheme, designed to cater for the growing number of motorcyclists in the area since the introduction of the congestion charge in 2003.

Under the scheme, the Council has increased the total number of motorcycle spaces from approximately 1,600 to 2,600, increasing the capacity of free visitor parking bays in commercial areas and introducing secure, lockable bays for resident permit holders.

Cllr Daniel Moylan, Deputy Leader of the Council says: 'The changes have been implemented as part of the Council's ongoing review of parking arrangements in the area. We observed a dramatic 120 per cent rise in the number of motorcycle permit holders in the Royal Borough since 2000 and we expect this number to continue to rise.'

'To accommodate this growing trend, we looked to adapt parking facilities in the Royal Borough, to provide every resident with access to secure motorcycle parking facilities within a few minutes walk of their homes.'

All new permit bays are fitted with locking ground anchors to deter theft and improve vehicle security, offering peace of mind to residents. In addition to enhanced security, the unobtrusive ground level locks help to maintain the attractive streetscapes of Kensington and Chelsea.

Inspector Andy Carter, North Kensington Police comments: 'Motor vehicle crime has been a priority for us since early 2007 and we fully support the Council’s significant investment in the fixed point anchors for residents of Kensington and Chelsea.'

'We are committed to driving down the thefts of mopeds and motorbikes to prevent residents from becoming victims of this type of crime and this scheme will be an excellent tool to combat this type of offence.'

To coincide with the launch of the scheme, RBKC has contacted a number of motorcycle insurance providers, alerting them to the scheme and providing details of the custom-made locking facilities. Several insurance companies will consider offering reduced insurance premiums for motorcyclists that have access to motorcycle locking facilities.

From 1 April 2008, there will be two types of permit available to residents of the Royal Borough allowing them to either park in the dedicated motorcycle permit bays, or to park in both the dedicated motorcycle permit bays and any resident car parking bay.