Westminster City Council’s parking
charges for motorcycles run contrary to the Government’s intention to
make motorcycling more mainstream, and to the Mayor of London’s plans
to make London more motorcycle-friendly, according to the RMI Motorcycle
Retailers Association (MRA)
Westminster City Council
have been charging motorcyclists to park in Westminster since 4 August
2008. A day permits costs £1.50, while an annual permit costs £150.
Weekly, monthly, and quarterly permits are also available.
The charge is seen to be
at odds with both national and regional Government policy on
motorcycling, and many in the motorcycle sector would like to see
Westminster’s charges abolished.
MRA Chairman Martin
Marshall commented: ‘At a time when London Mayor Boris Johnson is
opening up bus lanes to powered two wheelers (PTWs) and more and more
people are turning to motorcycles and scooters, increased amounts of
free parking should be provided, so it would be appropriate to drop this
charging regime.’
Marshall continues:
‘Motorcycles and scooters provide the ideal solution for commuters
seeking a genuine door-to-door solution. In fact, where public transport
does not serve their needs and cycling is not an option, bikes provide a
practical alternative for those seeking personal mobility.’
Marshall adds: ‘These
charges were introduced without proper consultation, in effect being
forced upon users without prior notification, and now being said to be
in a trial period. The MRA are lobbying Westminster City Council for the
charges to be removed.’
