Hackney Council continues its assault on motorcycling in the London Borough, with its swingeing parking fees plan still on track. It’s issued a final statutory consultation on the policy, despite widespread opposition to the scheme, which will see all bikes – even electric models and mopeds – paying up to £40 a day to park. There’s no consideration for the congestion-busting nature of bikes, their minuscule exhaust emissions, or the impact on riders who are often on lower incomes. As BDN went to press, the council was set to press ahead with its draconian charges.
Both the National Motorcyclists Council and local pressure group Save London Motorcycling, have been working to defeat the plans. A Save London Motorcycling spokesperson said: “We, alongside thousands of others, do not accept this result. The council has a responsibility to make policy that is evidence-based and to monitor the impact of their policies on those who will be affected most. In this case, some of the lowest-paid workers and most vulnerable Hackney residents will suffer hardship as a direct result. The panel’s questions clearly revealed fundamental policy flaws, but councillors still voted to press ahead. They dismissed the £50 a week charges for motorcycle and scooter riders as being affordable and insignificant. We urge everyone concerned with fairness and the lives and livelihoods of Hackney workers, residents, and carers to join our campaign and stand up against this injustice.”
NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch added: “The NMC urges Hackney Council to rethink their attack on motorcycle commuting. Riders are a significant body of voters, and the recent result in the Uxbridge by-election should give Hackney and other administrations pause for thought when it comes to policies which are designed to restrict freedom of movement for legitimate two-wheeled transport users in the way that Hackney proposes.”