Westminster considers charging for motorcycle parking (04/01/2007)

Westminster has 480 motorcycle bays providing space for about 4,500 bikes to park at any one time.

There has been an increase in motorcyclists using their bikes to commute into central London since the introduction of the Congestion Charge and a rise in environmental awareness amongst motorists.

In Westminster we have conducted a series of occupancy surveys on the central bays and many are at 120% occupancy during the day and remain busy in the evenings as well.

With the Congestion Charging Zone Western Extension due to start in February there is concern that it will further increase the number of riders commuting into Westminster on a daily basis.

Due to the motorcycle bays being overcrowded, Westminster City Council have also received a number of complaints from drivers saying that their motorcycle or scooter has been physically lifted outside of the bay in order for someone else to park their bike.

This has led to some receiving parking tickets and damage caused to bikes by being pushed too close together.

A strategy is therefore needed to help resolve the problems that this is causing, both for riders, residents and businesses. Speaking about the draft proposals

Councillor Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Transportation said: ‘We are currently considering proposals to extend motorcycle bays and provide new bays to help relieve the problem of over-crowding. 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% capacity.

‘As part of this process, Westminster Council will also be ‘legalising’ the current motorcycle bays. At present, motorcycle bays are merely exemptions from the restrictions of single yellow lines. This means that there are issues with cars being parked in these bays overnight, which causes additional problems with early morning bike commuters trying to park whilst the cars are still there.

‘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.’

'On street parking in the central areas of Westminster is currently £4 per hour at standard parking bays, which equates to £40 per day payable by car drivers.

 ‘The charge proposed for motorcycle bays is £1.50 per day - this is 3.75% of the amount payable by a car driver for the same period. An annual permit of £150 is also proposed which decreases this percentage further.

‘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.

 -ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

The draft proposals have been worked up in consultation with the various motorcycle groups who will be subject to further consultation on detailed proposals.

The current timeline has not yet been set and will be dependant on the approvals being given by councillors on the draft proposals. However, if they are 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 will not be brought in until the other parts of the initiative have been completed and could be during the summer period of 2007.