A grassroots motorcycling organisation is taking Hackney Council to court over controversial motorbike parking charges.

Save London Motorcycling (SLM), a volunteer-led union, obtained a court hearing, which will take place in January next year over their disputes against Hackney council’s new motorcycling parking charges.  

The trial will be heard at the Administrative Court at the Royal Courts of Justice on January 23, 2025.  

A spokesperson from SLM, who wished to remain anonymous, said the new parking charges will stop motorcyclist commuters and make commuting into the borough “unaffordable” as parking in ‘Solo Motorcycle Bays’ will cost more than £1 per hour, which is the same as a car.   

They added it was “ludicrous” to do so as motorcycles take around eight times less space than cars.

The parking charges come from Hackney Council’s enforcement of the Traffic Order. 

The Traffic Order, instated by the Council in June 2024, means that motorcyclists require a permit, visitor voucher or short-stay parking session in place to park in the borough’s allocated spaces.   

Hackney’s regulations are unique, however. They are the only borough where motorcyclists’ permit fees are the same as cars and motorcyclists require payment for parking.

By contrast, across London, most motorcycle bays marked ‘Solo Motorcycle Only’ are free to park in and have no time limits.  

Hackney Council said they adopted these regulations to promote “cleaner transportation options and combat air pollution”.  

The council plans to reduce short-stay parking by 30% and overall driving by 15% in the borough by 2026.  

Statistics from the Department the Transport, disputed by SLM, suggest motorcycles produce the same amount of CO2 as petrol and diesel cars. 

SLM, established four years ago, started by campaigning against parking fees proposed by Camden council (which were then dropped). They have fought extra charges for London motorcyclists ever since. 

The organisation has raised £11k from a JustGiving crowdfunder with over 500 donations, to finance court fees and pay barristers. 

A spokesperson from SLM told ELL they were “so pleased” with the response so far.  

“[SLM] exists to provide a voice for motorcyclists in London fighting against unjust action. 

“It’s really heartening to see how engaged riders are with this and how willing they are to engage with their rights. Even people who don’t ride are donating, just because they support the cause, which is fantastic."

So far, SLM’s efforts to fight against the fees in Hackney have not been as successful.  

Eastlondonlines approached Hackney Council for comment on the matter but were declined due to legal proceedings.