Hackney’s cabinet approves changes to parking fees despite protests from motorcyclists

Motorcyclists protested against the plans earlier this month. Photograph: Save London Motorcycling

Hackney’s top politicians have approved changes to parking fees despite calls from motorcyclists for a rethink.

Campaigners from Save London Motorcycling and the Motorcycle Action Group asked the council to look again at the costs, which they argue could force low-paid workers off the roads.

The groups recently staged a protest outside the Town Hall.

The council agreed 18 months ago to include motorbikes in its new parking enforcement charges.

Campaigners say the new charges, which will come into effect next April, could see motorcycle commuters shell out £13,800 a year in Hoxton and Shoreditch. This is based on them paying £6 an hour from 8.30am to 6.30pm for 230 working days a year.

Cathy Phillpotts from the Motorcycle Action Group told Hackney’s cabinet that the costs are “not fair, proportionate, rational or evidenced-based”.

She said carbon emissions data was not available for all motorbikes and scooters.

She added that if there is no price difference for cars and powered two-wheelers, people will jump in their cars in bad weather, increasing pollution.

Philpotts pointed out that electric two-wheelers have the same carbon emissions as electric bikes but will face the same charges as electric cars.

“This will discourage the lowest-impact vehicles on the road,” she said.

It follows the council’s decision to charge vehicles based on the emissions they produce.

In response, Cllr Mete Coban, cabinet member for energy, waste, transport and public realm, said the parking rules are “entirely consistent with our sustainable transport strategy”.

He added: “We recognise that all forms of vehcles including motorcycles produce emissions.”

He said the range of prices now includes seven engine sizes for motorbikes and mopeds.

He argues that the system is “fair and proportionate”, with people who use less polluting vehicles paying seven to 10 times less than those using the most polluting.

Cllr Coban said: “It is important that we work together now to reduce the effects of poor air quality. Pollutants have been linked to 96 premature deaths in Hackney, according to the Greater London Authority.”

He added: “I would like to make it clear that the council does not use parking as a means of generating revenue, as this is strictly prohibited by law.”

He said new policies are on the way over the next five years in Hackney that are “intended to encourage the use of more sustainable travel options in preference to private motorcycle, car or van ownership”.