Westminster considers charging for motorcycle parking

The charge proposed for motorcycle bays is £1.50 per day. An annual permit of £150 is also proposed.

Westminster has 480 motorcycle bays providing space for about 4,500 bikes. The number of riders using their bikes to commute into central London has continued to increase since the introduction of the congestion charge, and as a result of a rise in environmental awareness amongst motorists.
 
Westminster has conducted a series of occupancy surveys on the central bays and has found that many are at 120 per cent occupancy during the day and remain busy in the evenings as well. The council is concerned that the number of riders commuting into Westminster daily will further increase from 19th February when the congestion charge zone expands west.

Councillor Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Transportation, outlined the  draft proposals: "We are currently considering proposals to extend motorcycle bays and provide new bays to help relieve the problem of overcrowding. These will be both on-street and in our off-street car parks which together will be likely to yield at least an extra 10 per capacity.

"We are also conscious that motorcycle theft is a worry to many commuters and are therefore also proposing to install security rails at every suitable bay across Westminster so that motorcyclists can lock their bikes securely. This should also result in lower insurance premiums.

"In order to fund these initiatives a nominal charge is proposed for both a daily parking permit and an alternative annual electronic permit. This will allow riders to park in a Westminster solo motorcycle bay and also move between bays during the day. It will also enable easy access for couriers amongst others. Once the return on investment has been achieved the revenue from this small charge can then be used on other transportation projects, for example, providing motorcycle training, or installing additional bays as they are required."

Motorcycle groups will be subject to further consultation on detailed proposals.

A timeline has not yet been set and will be dependant on the approvals being given by councillors on the draft proposals. However, if approved, the creation of extra space and installation of security devices could take place in the first quarter of the next financial year (2007/08). Charging would begin once the other parts of the initiative have been completed, possibly during the summer period of 2007.

For further details visit www.westminster.gov.uk

A petition to stop local councils charging for motorbike parking is online at: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/FreeBikeParking