"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).
