We have received a number of enquiries about the changes in parking provision for motorcycles, as well as a number of requests for facts and figures. This selection aims to address those enquiries and will be updated as appropriate.

What is a traffic order?

A traffic regulation order is a legal document which changes and imposes traffic and parking rules and restrictions. Examples include road closures, one-way streets, weight restrictions, banned turns, bus/cycle lanes, controlled parking and on-street parking places. The City Council must follow a set legal procedure to introduce a permanent order, which includes a 3 week formal objection period prior to it being made permanent. Below is a link to the public notice relating to the permanent order.

Link to public notice.

Where is a traffic order advertised?

New traffic Orders for permanent schemes are advertised in the London Gazette and local newspapers. Formal objections may be made for 21 days from the date of publication of the Notice of Proposals. For the motorcycle charging scheme we chose to also post street notices outlining the scheme and advising how formal objections could be made. The street notices were posted at every motorcycle bay throughout the City. Please note that following the publication of the Notice of Proposals on 11 June 2009, the formal objection period for the permanent traffic orders ended on 3 July 2009.

What is an experimental traffic order?

An experimental order is similar to a permanent traffic regulation order. It is a legal document which changes and imposes traffic and parking rules and restrictions, as above. Once the experimental order is in force, objections may be made to it being made permanent, which must be made within 6 months of the day that the experimental order comes into force. Experimental orders can remain in force for a maximum of 18 months and are often used to trial schemes. The formal objection period for the experimental traffic orders ended on 18 February 2009.

Where is an experimental traffic order advertised?

Westminster advertised the experimental traffic orders for motorcycle parking using on-street signs and notices in local media, as well as online. Below is a link to the public notice relating to the experimental orders.

Link to public notice

What is the council’s justification for charging motorcycles?

The current approach to charging for motorcycle parking reflects the demands made on Westminster’s infrastructure by the increasing number of people using motorcycles. As a local authority we need to balance the requirements of all road users and their demands for the finite amount of kerbside space. Our motorcycle policy reflects motorcyclists’ use of these limited resources and their increasing demand for them.

Our policy is consistent with the City of Westminster’s Unitary Development Plan (UDP). The UDP, approved by full Council in January 2007, sets out the City Council’s planning policies for developing land, improving transport and protecting the environment in Westminster for the next 10-15 years and has been the subject of public scrutiny and wide consultation.  Policy TRANS 11 in Chapter 4 of the Plan concerns motorcycles and the policy’s overview states “The City Council will seek to maintain an adequate supply of parking facilities for motorcyclists and will consider motorcyclists’ needs in the design of any traffic calming and management schemes. In recognising the safety and environmental problems caused by motorcycles relative to other modes, it will be necessary to apply a level of restraint through parking policies”. Paragraph 4.102 of the Plan defines this ‘element of restraint’ as being charging for motorcycle parking and introducing a tariff structure which encourages long-term parking to move off-street, whilst leaving on-street spaces for those requiring short-term facilities. The paragraph states that the restraint policy “may particularly need to be the case if the introduction of congestion charging, with motorcyclists exempt from any charges, leads to a sustained increase in the number of motorcycles entering and seeking to park in Westminster”.

Click here for a link to the relevant part of the City Council’s UDP.

What initial changes were made to motorcycle parking in Westminster and what further changes have recently been made?

Initial Changes

• Prior to the start of the scheme in August 2008, we increased the number of dedicated spaces for motorcycles by 44% to approx 6,550 spaces (approx 6,150 on-street and 400 off-street).
  
  
• Security devices were installed both prior to and since the commencement of charging. To date 89 devices have been installed (45 Sheffield Stands and 44 ground anchors) at 18 locations. 
  
  
• Charging for dedicated motorcycle bays was introduced in August 2008. This introduced the following charges: £1.50 daily charge; £5 weekly charge; £20 monthly; £50 quarterly; and £150 yearly charge. Payment of the charge allows a motorcycle to park in and move to any motorcycle bay within the city.

Further changes

The motorcycle charging scheme was implemented under experimental traffic orders. This gave the City Council the opportunity to gauge reaction to and review the arrangements of the scheme before either scrapping, confirming or varying the orders. Based on formal objections received and the recommendations of the City Council’s Built Environment Policy and Scrutiny Committee, proposals to keep but improve the scheme were formally submitted to the Cabinet Member on 12 May 2009. On 20 May 2009 the Cabinet Member made the decision to make the scheme permanent but with amendments.

With effect from 1 June 2009, the scheme has operated with the following variations:

• All dedicated motorcycle parking spaces in our off-street car parks are free of charge and provision has been increased from approximately 400 spaces to nearly 900 spaces.
  
  
• Charges to park within a dedicated motorcycle bay on-street have been reduced by approximately one-third to: £1 daily charge; £3.50 weekly; £13.50 monthly; £33.50 quarterly; and £100 annual.
  
  
• Residents’ permit holders can park their motorcycle on dedicated motorcycle bays city-wide without further charge when displaying their residents’ permit.

The implementation of the permanent traffic orders on 25 January 2010 reduces the price of a residents’ permit for a motorcycle to £50 per annum regardless of engine size.

'Virtual' electronic residents' permits for motorcycles are being introduced on 19 April 2010.

Can I claim a refund as I purchased a motorcycle permit before the prices were reduced?

We agreed to refund unused, full month portions of quarterly and annual motorcycle permits purchased between 1 April 2009 and 31 May 2009. Click here to find out how to claim a refund.

Can I claim a refund on my residents' permit now the price of a residents' permit for a motorcycle has been reduced?

With the introduction of the permanent traffic orders on 25 January 2010, we will refund the price differential for unused, full months remaining on a residents' permit for a motorcycle. Further FAQs regarding refunds of residents' permits for motorcycles can be found at the foot of this section.

When and through what process were the changes to the motorcycle charging scheme made?

The motorcycle charging scheme was first introduced on an experimental basis on 4 August 2008. Following the Cabinet Member’s decision to make the scheme permanent on 20 May 2009, amendments to the scheme came into force on 1 June 2009. The Cabinet Member's decision to introduce the permanent traffic orders as proposed was made on 6 January 2010. The permanent traffic orders will be introduced on 25 January 2010. 

Why has the City of Westminster made further changes to motorcycle parking?

The motorcycle charging scheme was implemented under experimental traffic orders, giving the City Council the opportunity to gauge reaction and review the arrangements of the scheme before either scrapping, confirming or varying the orders. Based on formal objections received and the recommendations of the City Council’s Built Environment Policy and Scrutiny Committee, the Cabinet Member made the decision on 20 May 2009 to make the scheme permanent but with amendments. We were able to introduce some of the changes on 1 June 2009, but others had to wait until the introduction of the permanent traffic orders, the making of which was subject to a further further formal consultation period ending in July 2009.

What consultation was carried out?

Prior to the decision to introduce motorcycle charging, surveys and consultation were carried out in 2006 and the shape the scheme initially took followed meetings with a number of major motorcycle groups.

In 2007 we discussed the scheme with Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) and motorcycleparking.com. We also sent statutory consultation letters to 60 ward councillors, 25 local resident associations, 15 statutory bodies and local businessmen informing them of the charging scheme and offering the opportunity to comment. You

Post-implementation, various formal opposition groups to the scheme such as No to the Bike Parking Tax (NTBPT) and the Tax Payer’s Alliance presented their objections to the scheme to the City Council’s Built Environmental Policy and Scrutiny Committee on 31 March 2009. The Policy and Scrutiny Committee’s recommendations coming out of this meeting informed the report that then went to the Cabinet Member in May 2009.

Following the Cabinet Member’s decision to make the scheme permanent, the process of making of the permanent traffic orders necessitated a further formal consultation period, ending in July 2009. The further objections were collated and formed the basis of the report presented to the Cabinet Member in October 2009. However, before making a decision upon whether to make the Orders as proposed, the Cabinet Member individually met with four of the leading motorcycle groups: NTBPT, MAG, BMF and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), as well as a private transport consultant. This necessitated the submission of a further supplementary report in December 2009 presenting the concerns not previously covered in the October 2009 report.

The Cabinet Member's decision to introduce the permanent orders as proposed was made on 6 January 2010.

 How many new spaces have been created?

Prior to the start of the scheme in August 2008, we increased the number of dedicated spaces for motorcycles by 44% to approx 6,550 spaces (approx 6,150 on-street and 400 off-street).

In June 2009 we created more than 600 further free spaces off-street in our secure car parks but the loss of two car parks from the City Council's portfolio in September 2009 brought the off-street figure back down to nearly 900 dedicated spaces.

How can you quote a total number of spaces when spaces in motorcycle bays are not individually marked?

We measure on the basis of one motorcycle space being 0.8 metres. 

In which roads have the additional parking spaces been installed and what are the associated numbers?

You can download a document containing this information at the bottom of the page.

What are the plans for creating more parking spaces?

Since 1 June 2009, we have created additional free space off-street in our secure car parks.  Provision of further space on-street depends on the take up of the free off-street space and we will only look to increase on-street provision if the take up of the additional off-street space merits it, which at present it does not.

What other changes to the scheme can we expect?

Further enhancements of the scheme are planned following the introduction of the permanent traffic orders.

• We are recommencing installing security devices at dedicated motorcycle bays where appropriate and practicable.
  
  
• We are introducing 'virtual' electronic residents' permits for motorcycles for use from 19 April 2010. 
  
  
• We will be establishing a road users' forum.
  
  
• We are still looking to develop cash, cheque pre-payment and ‘carnet’ methods of payment for the scheme.

What is the cost breakdown for introducing new bays?

Up to 31 March 2009, the City Council had spent £6,714 in the extension of off-street bays in car parks, £224,438 on survey work and the extension of on-street parking places, £100,653 on Traffic Management Orders, £55,630 on the installation of security devices and £13,600 on Communications.

What are the overall projections on income that the council believes it will receive from the amended scheme?

Budgeted gross permit income in 2009/10 is £775k based on the revised charges. 2009/10 total income (including PCN income) net of expenditure is budgeted to be £0.5m after allowing for free off-street motorcycle parking, lower on-street tariffs and a lower number of projected PCNs. A request to carry forward £584k of capital funding into 2009/10 is being made to the City Council’s Capital Programme Revue Board.

Income could potentially decrease dependent on the take up of free off-street parking, if there is a shift in customer behaviour to purchasing longer term permits and if ‘carnets’ are offered.

How much does it cost to park?

On-street

The daily charge is £1 and this allows you to park in any on-street motorcycle bay in Westminster. Once you have paid the charge you can move freely from one motorcycle bay to another without having to pay the charge again.

If you park regularly in Westminster, you may wish to consider purchasing one of our permits. It costs the equivalent of less than 33p per day to park if you purchase an annual permit (based on 305 chargeable days per year), which at £100 is the equivalent of paying £1 each charging day for 100 days. Other permit types are also available.

Find out more about the various permits here.

Off-street

It is free to park in a dedicated motorcycle bay in one of our off-street car parks.

Will I have to pay again if I move bays during the day?

No, motorcyclists are able to move between motorcycle bays on-street during the day for no extra cost.

Is there any concession for local residents?

Displaying a valid residents’ permit for a motorcycle allows the permit holder to park their motorcycle in on-street motorcycle bays city-wide without further charge.

Find out more about applying for a residents’ permit.

The introduction of the permanent traffic orders on 25 January 2010 reduces the price of a residents’ permit for a motorcycle to £50 per year regardless of engine size.

Is there a concession for electric motorcycles?

Yes, if you have an electric motorcycle (and your tax disc shows it is classified as such) you can obtain a free annual motorcycle permit allowing you to park in motorcycle bays free of charge. Find out more about electric motorcycles.

Where can I park with a motorcycle permit?

You can park in any dedicated ‘solo motorcycle only’ bay in Westminster. Payment is only required for the on-street bays as dedicated motorcycle bays off-street are free.

What times during the day do I need to pay for parking?

At each on-street motorcycle bay a timeplate will be displayed which contains the hours of controls for that bay, i.e. the days and times when regulations are enforced. During the hours of control you will need to pay to park in the bay. Outside of these times, parking is free of charge.

 What do I do if I cannot find a motorcycle parking space?

If for any reason you are unable to find a space in a dedicated motorcycle bay either on- or off-street, you may park in a standard Pay by Phone, shared-use or Pay and Display bay, but you will need to pay the standard charges for the zone you are parking in. You are not permitted to park in a ‘residents’ parking only bay’ unless you have a valid residents’ permit for that zone. You may receive a PCN if you fail to make (and where necessary display) appropriate payment or park in a bay that you are not permitted to park in. Check our standard prices for each zone here.

How will I be able to pay?

Unless you area holder of a residents' permit for a motorcycle, you need to register your motorcycle for a Pay by Phone account. The location number you need for motorcycle parking is 6789. Find out about how to register for Pay by Phone here.

How do I add a motorcycle to an existing Pay by Phone account?

Follow the steps below:

• Login to your Pay by Phone account online;
• Click on profile from the top menu;
• Enter the vehicle registration number of your motorcycle in the vehicle details section;
• Select Motorcycle or Electric motorcycle as the vehicle type;
• Click on Update vehicle information to save the changes.

Will I receive a physical permit when I pay for the motorcycle scheme?

No, you will receive an electronic permit. Any motorcycle permit you purchase will appear in your Pay by Phone account under the headings ‘Permits’ at the top of the page. Westminster’s Civil Enforcement Officers will know whether you have a motorcycle permit when entering your vehicle licence plate into their handheld device.

Will I be notified when my motorcycle permit is due to expire?

Not as standard but you may opt in for a text reminder for any permit at a cost of 10p.

What is the 10p reminder text for?

The reminder text is an optional service users can request that will send an automatically generated text message to remind the user that their current permit is about to expire.

Am I allowed to use motorcycle bays if I have a trike (i.e. a 3-wheeler)?

If your trike is taxed as a ‘bicycle’ then you are eligible to use the bays and you will need to pay for your parking – any mechanically or electrically powered vehicle which is in a tax class of ‘bicycle’ is defined under the regulations as being a motorcycle and therefore permitted to use the bays.

Can other vehicles park in motorcycle bays?

The timeplate will specify the times during which the bays are reserved for motorcycles only. During these times no other vehicles can park in the bays. However, outside of these times other vehicles are permitted to park.

Can electric motorcycles park in electric vehicle charging bays?

If the motorcyclist has joined the ‘electric vehicle recharging scheme’ scheme, electric motorcycles can park at electric charging bays up to the maximum stay to charge the vehicle. If the vehicle is not charging, a PCN may be issued. Click here for more information on this scheme.

I thought motorcycles were less polluting than cars so shouldn’t you be encouraging people to use motorcycles?

The City Councils’ policy for charging motorcycles to park is not based on emission levels. The number of motorcyclists coming into the City of Westminster has increased considerably in the last few years, particularly following the introduction of congestion charging. The current approach to charging for motorcycle parking reflects the demands made on Westminster’s infrastructure by the increasing number of people using motorcycles and is an attempt to fairly balance the finite amount of kerbside provision between all the different motorist types and users. Our motorcycle policy reflects motorcyclists’ use of these limited resources and their increasing demand for them.

The following FAQs all apply to the reduction in the price of a residents' permit for a motorcycle to £50 per annum regardless of engine size from 25 January 2010 .

I  have a residents’ permit for a motorcycle that cost £75/85/105/120. Am I eligible for a refund now the price has been reduced to £50 per year?

The permanent traffic orders for the motorcycle charging scheme come into force on Monday 25 January 2010. If you are a holder of a current residents’ permit for a motorcycle you may apply for a refund of the price differential on any unused, full month(s) left on your current residents’ permit from this date. The amounts that will be refunded are as per the following table –

My motorcycle is on the same residents’ permit as a car – am I due a refund?

No. If your motorcycle is on the same residents’ permit as a car, you have effectively had the motorcycle added to the residents’ permit for the car without further charge, hence the charge for the permit being based on the engine size of the car. As there is no change to the price of a residents’ permit for a car, no refund is due.

 

How do I obtain a refund?

We are endeavouring to send letters to all holders of a residents’ permit for a motorcycle advising of the change and the fact that a refund may be due. The letter includes a form for the resident to complete and return to obtain a refund. If you do not receive a letter but you think you are due a refund, please call 020 7823 4567 for a form to be sent to you, download a form from the City of Westminster website or enquire at your nearest One Stop Shop.

Why has the price dropped?

The motorcycle charging scheme was introduced in August 2008 under experimental traffic orders to give the Council the opportunity to gauge reaction to and review the arrangements of the scheme before potentially confirming the orders. Following a formal objection period, proposals to make the scheme permanent were presented to the City Council’s Built Environment Policy and Scrutiny Committee in March 2009. The Committee recommended that any permanent scheme should give concessions to residents’ permit holders, including a reduction in the price of a residents’ permit for a motorcycle.

Why is this happening now?

The Cabinet Member’s decision of 20 May 2009 to introduce the scheme on a permanent basis included the plan for the permanent traffic orders to reduce the price of a residents’ permit for a motorcycle to £50 per annum. The making of the permanent traffic orders involved a further formal consultation period which ended on 3 July 2009. The formal objections received were then collated, outlined, addressed and presented to the Cabinet member in a formal report dated 1 October 2009.

However, before making a decision on whether to make the Orders as proposed, the Cabinet member met with four of the leading motorcycle groups and a private transport consultant to discuss the scheme and to listen to their further concerns. This necessitated the submission of a supplementary report addressing concerns not previously covered in the 1 October 2009 report. This supplementary report was submitted to the Cabinet Member on 21 December 2009.

Based on the two reports, the decision was made to introduce the permanent orders as proposed on 6 January 2010. After being made and published, the permanent traffic orders therefore came into force on Monday 25 January 2010. 

Why £50?

The charge has been set at £50 to represent 50% of the cost of a £100 annual motorcycle permit under the motorcycle charging scheme.

Can I renew my £50 residents’ permit for a motorcycle online?

Unfortunately no. Although we hope to make this facility available in the near future, it will unfortunately not be initially possible to renew a residents’ permit for a motorcycle online.

What criteria do I have to meet to obtain a residents’ permit for a motorcycle?

The application criteria to obtain a residents’ permit is standard whether the permit be for a motorcycle or a car and has therefore not changed.

Can I add a motorcycle to a residents’ permit for a car?

Yes.

 

I have a quarterly/annual motorcycle permit. If I purchase a residents’ permit for my motorcycle will I be able to obtain a refund for my motorcycle permit?

Yes. A refund for full, unused months left on a quarterly or annual motorcycle permit can be obtained from our Pay by Phone suppliers by email at uksupport@verrus.com or by alternatively calling 01453 760000.

What concessions does a residents’ permit afford?

A residents’ permit for a motorcycle enables the motorcycle to be parked in any residents’ bay/shared use bay in the permit holder’s zone of residence and in any motorcycle bay city-wide without further charge.

The permit also affords standard residents’ permit concessions in the permit holder’s zone of residence such as free parking in paid-for bays for the first and last hour of controls and a five minute concession on single yellow lines. There are no changes under the permanent traffic orders to the concessions that the residents’ permit affords.

Motorcycles may also be parked in dedicated motorcycle bays in our off-street car parks for free.

Why can’t residents’ permit holders just be given a free motorcycle permit like electric vehicles?

The City of Westminster must protect the integrity of its residents’ permit scheme, which has strict application criteria. Due to the differing concessions of a residents’ permit and a motorcycle permit, it is not just a case of giving a residents’ permit holder an annual motorcycle permit.

However, as residents' permits for motorcycles are now 'virtual' electronic permits there is no longer any need for a residents' permit holder to display a physical, paper permit on their bike in order to obtain the concessions the permit affords.