Council reveals plans for motorcycle parking charges as it tries to get a handle on pollution

Hackney Council has put forward plans to introduce parking permits for motorcycles as part of its drive to improve air quality across the borough.

Residents are invited to give their thoughts on the proposals, which would require local motorcycle owners to buy a parking permit.

The council says the cost of a permit would work out to roughly £5 a month for most motorcyclists – money it would spend on improving transport and road safety, and to fund Freedom Passes for over-60s and people with disabilities.

The plans, which follow in the slipstream of seven other inner London boroughs, are designed to encourage riders to switch to less polluting models.

Hackney’s transport chief Cllr Jon Burke said: “Motorcycles currently park free in resident bays in Hackney, despite polluting as much as some cars and being subject to less stringent emissions tests – so we’re proposing to charge them in line with cars, which have had emissions-based permits since 2015.

He added: “As part of the proposals, we would spend £152,000 on installing 380 lockable motorcycle hoops across the borough to improve motorcycle security, a longstanding concern for riders in London.

“By also applying a permit charge of just £10 a year for electric vehicles, we would also be incentivising the transition to zero tailpipe emission vehicles for those who need to retain use of a two-wheeled motor vehicle.”

As with cars, businesses would also have to apply for permits for their motorcycles, and visiting riders would have to apply for a temporary permit if parking in resident bays.

The Town Hall says this will discourage short journeys and encourage commuting riders to use public transport instead.

Motorcycles would continue to be charged at current rates if they park in pay-and-display bays.

Combustion engine motorcycles produce similar levels of nitrous oxide as cars, with up to five of them able to fit into one parking space. 

The council is holding a series of drop-in sessions to discuss the changes, starting with one from 10am to 2pm on 6 March at Ridley Road Market.

To have your say, or for details of other drop-in sessions, visit consultation.hackney.gov.uk and search for ‘motorcycles’.

The consultation closes on 18 May 2020.