"Motorcyclists should be charged as much as car drivers for parking", said no rational person ever. But as it turns out, Hackney Council is not made up of rational people. I'd say the Council's plans, which began in 2020, to charge motorcyclists up to £12,500 ($16,476) per year to park their bikes in the London borough were decidedly irrational, especially considering that's how much car drivers paid.
Before Hackney Council’s recent motorcycle‑parking charges started being rolled out in 2024, most motorcyclists didn't require a permit or be required to pay for parking on-street. So not to at least try to meet motorcyclists in the middle ground somewhere—as seen on UK motorways, which usually charge motorcyclists 50-100% less than cars—caused appropriate uproar. And so started years of campaigning against the council from multiple organizations, but most notably from Save London Motorcycling.
As frustrating as it is to have to campaign against such ridiculousness and blatant preying on some of the most vulnerable in society—not everyone rides a Ducati—I'm happy to report that the council drastically cut the proposed changes. Now, riders can get a permit to park in Hackney, which will cost just £38 ($50)per year for most, and daily rates are between £1.20 and £2.50 ($1.58 and $3.29).
“This entire episode was avoidable,” said a Save London Motorcycling spokesperson, before stating, "The Council chose confrontation instead of common sense, and as a result taxpayers have funded years of legal costs defending a pointless policy that was always clearly excessive, unjustified, and reckless... The Labour administration in Hackney were completely politically isolated on this issue and yet repeatedly chose not to listen to the overwhelming majority of riders and residents who opposed their plans."
It's terrible that this fight had to happen, and even worse that taxpayer money was used to fund it by the council. But I find some solace in knowing that the government was beaten, and the only thing better than regular folks beating the government trying to impose unfair fees is motorcyclists beating the government.
