‘Unjustified’: Hundreds of motorcyclists protest Hackney Council’s plans for ‘eye-watering’ parking charges

Motorcyclists gather to protest against the plans. Photograph: Save London Motorcycling

Hundreds of motorcyclists took to the streets of Hackney to protest against plans for “disproportionate” parking charges.

The rally was organised by Save London Motorcycling and the Motorcycle Action Group, with an estimated 300 people heading from Downs Park Road to Hackney Town Hall.

They say the council’s proposed parking charges could be the final straw for people working in low-paid jobs such as food couriers.

Motorcyclists could face paying up to £6 an hour, which would be the highest in London.

Currently two of the 12 inner London boroughs charge for parking, with   Westminster charging £1 a day whilst Lewisham  charges £2 daily.

Hackney Council said permits could be £61 a year.

TV star Matthew Wright is backing the protesters. Image: Steve Wright

Television presenter and motorcyclist Matthew Wright sent the protesters a message.

He said: “How can driving motorcycles off the road do anything for congestion?”

He added: “The amount that Hackney Council is going for is just eye-watering. Let’s say no to these ludicrous parking charges and let Hackney Council know how strongly we feel about it”.

GMB representative Steve Garelick, whose union represents gig economy drivers, said the charges are “an extra ordeal they can do without”.

More than 7,000 people have signed a petition. It calls for the Town Hall to have a rethink and says motorcyclists are “concerned about the effects that these changes will have on riders who live and work in Hackney”.

It goes on: “We believe that the proposals will be detrimental to the economy and life of Hackney. These changes are disproportionate, unjustified and not evidence-based.”

Campaigners say the plans do not take into account the fact that motorcycles take up less space than cars, or that they emit less harmful carbon dioxide than other vehicles.

A Hackney Council spokesman said politicians decided last year “to place motorcycles on the same footing as all other vehicles, with permit prices based solely on the emissions they produce”.

The move is aimed at improving air quality.

The spokesman added: “While charges vary depending on how polluting they are, permits for owners of most scooters and motorcycles will typically be seven to ten times lower than the highest permit price, in recognition of the fact that they are relatively low polluting.

“These changes will allow businesses, delivery riders and other organisations that provide valuable services to continue to do so, while also discouraging the use of motorbikes for commuting, which contribute to local emissions and take up valuable curb space from local residents and businesses.”

The council said it will consider feedback from motorcycle groups as well as other respondents to its consultation this summer before making a final decision later this month.