Westminster City Council is set to create hundreds of free parking spaces for motorcyclists in central London.
However, the council will continue to charge motorcyclists to park on street bays, but with a reduced fee of £1. From next month, the local authority will allow motorcyclists to park for free in any one of its 900 free spaces in its 14 undercover car parks.
Danny Chalkley, Westminster’s cabinet member for city development, said: ‘We have listened to the views of motorcyclists, residents and local businesses, and responded by introducing a number of new initiatives to make life easier and more convenient for motorcyclists wishing to park in central London.’
But Warren Djanogly, chairman of the No To Bike Parking Fees committee, said that parking in car parks defeated the purpose of motorcycling, and the group’s protests would not rest until charges for street bays were also lifted. ‘It would make sense for the council to charge for the car parks because they offer security and protection from the weather. The council is trying to discourage motorcyclists when they are supposed to be encouraging [sustainable methods of transport].’
A row broke out between the two organisations over the charging for street bays since the council introduced a £1.50 charge last year (Surveyor, 31 July 2008).
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