Industry body, the Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA) has called on Westminster City Council to drop parking charges against motorcycles in the belief that it contradicts their incentives to encourage use of two wheels over four throughout the London borough.

With the controversial move to allow motorbikes into bus lanes announced recently (click here to see our news post, ‘Motorcyclists to share London’s bus lanes‘), it certainly seems that London is keen to see more bikers on the roads (and to hell with pedestrians or cyclists who might get in the way) in a bid to reduce congestion.

Westminster City Council has been charging motorcyclists to park in Westminster since 4 August 2008. A day permits costs £1.50, while an annual permit costs £150. Concessions for eco vehicles however are limited, with free parking in pay and display bays for all-electric vehicles but parking fees still apply to LPG and hybrid vehicles. Does it then seem fair to request free parking for motorbikes?

MRA Chairman Martin Marshall commented: “These charges were introduced without proper consultation, in effect being forced upon users without prior notification, and now being said to be in a trial period. The MRA are lobbying Westminster City Council for the charges to be removed.”

While motorbikes provide transport for a limited number of people, they certainly take less space to park. So lets us know your thoughts, do you support MRA’s move? Do you think motorcycles should have more concessions? What about allowing motorbikes in bus lanes, does it seem wise?

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