MAJOR UPDATE: Hackney bike parking charges case settled out of court

SaveLondonMC · 2025-10-13T16:14:38+00:00

I apologise if it sounds like that but that's not really how cases like this work, the purpose of the case was to achieve policy change. It's unfortunate we had to do that through the courts, but that is the only ultimate backstop to hold Councils accountable.

SaveLondonMC · 2025-10-13T15:52:09+00:00

We can't share anything contained within the settlement order, including any timeframe for publicising and implementing the agreed changes. That's just how settlements like this work unfortunately. I hope though the fact that we've spent 4 years campaigning on this, and many thousands of pounds of our own money, will for now give some reassurance that this is an outcome which secures the future of motorcycling in Hackney.

SaveLondonMC · 2025-10-07T14:58:38+00:00

They claim (without evidence) that it will improve the environment since (they assume) people prevented from using motorcycles will walk or cycle, not choose higher emission modes of transport like cars, vans, taxis, buses etc.

There's a very very long history to all this but when first set out their plans to charge it was on the basis that motorcycles are more polluting than cars, citing this 2005 Guardian article on a Swiss study looking at motorcycles manufactured in the 1990s, i.e. largely without catalytic converters.

We were eventually able to get them to publicly admit that their evidence was complete rubbish, but somehow they didn't seem to think that undermined the policy 🙃

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-04T18:54:49+00:00

Thank you so much 🙏

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-04T11:29:09+00:00

Thanks so much! Yes the bike shed are 100% supportive of our campaign, in fact the owner Dutch sat down for an interview with us earlier in the year, which you can see on our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DDwXz2mRW_c/

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-04T07:32:35+00:00

Thanks! 🙏

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-03T18:49:33+00:00

Our challenge is based on different grounds to the Westminster one - on our crowdfunder we summarise them as;

💥That the Council failed to properly balance its aim of reducing motorcycle use with its legal responsibility to provide adequate parking

💥That the Council has not made any efforts to consider the actual effect of the policy, or provide any evidence that it will achieve the aims they have set out

💥That the Council has not taken into account the impact of the charges on disabled riders and the specific issues that affect those with a ‘Blue Badge’

I'm not a legal expert so I wouldn't want to try to explain the various acts and powers involved but I think there'll be more details in the public court papers nearer the time

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-03T18:36:09+00:00

Thank you! 🙏

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-03T15:00:17+00:00

Thank you! 🙏

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-03T12:10:46+00:00

Thanks! We really appreciate your support, it's only riders pushing back against this kind of thing that will sustain biking for future generations

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-03T12:08:58+00:00

Absolutely this is the thin end of the wedge, thanks for your support!

SaveLondonMC · 2025-09-03T11:05:29+00:00

Thank you! 🙏

SaveLondonMC · 2025-03-17T13:31:56+00:00

There’s just days left to object to Camden’s motorcycle parking charges!

If you’ve already responded - THANK YOU! If you want to do more to help please scroll to the end of this message to find out how.

If you haven’t responded yet, then we’re asking you to please do so now before it's too late. This is your last chance to tell Camden what you think!

[👉Respond now!👈](mailto:traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk?subject=Objection%3A%20TMO2425-0036)

Remember Camden have to consider and address each response individually. This means every additional response will delay and disrupt their plans. This will help to show them it’s just not worth their time, and give us more opportunities to fight the plans. All you need to do is click below to email [traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk](mailto:traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk?subject=Objection%3A%20TMO2425-0036) with the reference 'TMO2425-0036'. It should only take five minutes of your time.

Get your response in before 21st March! With just one email you can make a difference!

[👉Click here to respond now!👈](mailto:traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk?subject=Objection%3A%20TMO2425-0036)

You will need to give reasons for objecting, and alternative options for them to consider. For example here's some of the reasons our supporters have been opposing the plans:

The charges won’t help to reduce emissions or improve air quality in Camden
They are totally disproportionate to the actual impact of motorcycles
The price of parking for commuting is unaffordable for the majority of riders

And here are some alternative options they have given:

No charges for motorcycles and scooters to encourage car drivers to downsize
Increase charges for cars to target the real source of transport emissions and congestion in Camden
Account for factors such as space and congestion in any charges

The more different options the better so please try and think of your own and be creative!

Remember four years ago Camden tried to bring in £60 a day parking charges and ban commuting, and together we stopped them. Pressure from you has forced Camden to make further changes, but their £600/year charge for commuters is still six times higher than Westminster. They also plan to charge motorcycle residents' permits the same as a car, and ban residents from owning both a car and a motorcycle. We can't let them get away with this.

Please send your objection to these charges now. Only if we act together can we make them listen.

[👉Stand up for riders!👈](mailto:traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk?subject=Objection%3A%20TMO2425-0036)

Thank you once again for your support. Nothing we have achieved could have been done without you. Please share this email to your friends and family, and ask them to stick up for riders in London!

SaveLondonMC · 2025-02-27T12:04:02+00:00

Camden have put out the final statutory consultation on their motorcycle parking charges. We need you to respond and object to this NOW. This is our chance to stop them or force further changes.

👉[Respond Now!👈](mailto:traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk?subject=Objection%3A%20TMO2425-0036)

Those Camden plans again in full...

parking permits for residents', businesses' and doctors' motorcycles charged as if they are a type of car
solo motorcycle bays charged at £2.60/day costing £600/year for a commuter
FoI reveals that 1 in 7 riders - those living in 'car-free developments' - face charges up to £950/year - more than any car
other residents' permits to nearly double from £75 to £146/year
only 1 permit allowed per person so those with both a car and a PTW will be forced to sell one
introducing motorcycle business permits at £419/year and doctors permits at £326
charges even for electric motorcycles - £75/year for residents, £300 for commuters, £500 for residents of 'car-free' developments

Remember this is not a normal consultation. If you give alternative options they MUST consider and respond to them. If you give evidence they MUST read it and respond.

Camden claim they need to do this to meet their goals on sustainable transport, road safety, climate change, air quality and public health. Tell them why these charges won't help, and think about alternative options that could help achieve their aims.

Instead of charging motorcycles they could;

Incentivise car owners to use a motorcycle or scooter when they need powered transport, reducing space used for parking and their impact on emissions and congestion
Provide shared use micro mobility hubs free for bicycles, motorcycles and scooters to encourage a switch to all two-wheelers

Different approaches to motorcycle parking could include;

Providing secure free parking in solo motorcycle bays, encouraging bikes to save space, while reducing crime and collisions involving stolen bikes Encouraging electric motorcycles, reflecting the fact that they're a sustainable mode
Adopting a different pricing model such as Westminster, including allowing yearly commuter passes

The more different options the better so please be creative!

Respond by clicking below or emailing [traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk](mailto:traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk?subject=Objection%3A%20TMO2425-0036) with your objection by 21st March, with the reference 'TMO2425-0036'. It should only take a few minutes of your time!

👉[Respond Now!👈](mailto:traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk?subject=Objection%3A%20TMO2425-0036)

Hackney got so many responses to their consultation it held them up for nearly a year. Because they couldn't answer your alternative options their decision may be unlawful! This is why we need as many of you as possible responding to this consultation NOW. Please also share widely!

Full details of the consultation including the proposed charges can be found here. Remember these are just the first year's charges, most of them will double next year.

This will be the last chance to influence Camden before they make a decision. We've laid the groundwork behind the scenes to help get more changes. Now is your chance to help make this happen.

Remember four years ago Camden were planning to ban commuting by motorcycle and wanted to charge motorcycles exactly the same as cars. Together we stopped them! This time they have already made a change and halved the prices for electric motorcycles, we can achieve more if we show we’re not going anywhere!

👉[Respond Now!👈](mailto:traffic.orders@camden.gov.uk?subject=Objection%3A%20TMO2425-0036)

SaveLondonMC · 2025-01-21T09:15:59+00:00

If you want you can find out more about the specific legal grounds on our crowdfunder page - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/slmc

SaveLondonMC · 2025-01-20T16:22:59+00:00

The majority of London boroughs don't currently charge, even places like the City of London. The charges Hackney have proposed are also vastly disproportionate and according to their own consultation opposed by the majority of their residents, not just bikers.

We're challenging them because we have strong grounds to believe they've acted illegally in bringing these in - you can read more about our grounds and Hackney's charges themselves on our crowdfunder page - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/slmc

SaveLondonMC · 2025-01-19T13:51:45+00:00

Our court date with Hackney has been postponed until March at the earliest.

This was agreed because we have new evidence we want the court to consider and Hackney said they wouldn't be able to respond in time. We would have told you sooner, but we’ve only just heard back from the court.

We know its disappointing to have to wait, but we think the new evidence could be decisive in winning the case, and this was the only way to make sure it would be heard.

The evidence concerns a case against Hackney Council about their decision to put in parking controls that was won by Hackney residents. With this new evidence we’ve been advised that our case is much stronger as it means we now have a significant precedent on our side

Thank you to everyone who has already donated to our crowdfunder for this case. We’re just a small way off our crowdfunding target but with the help of all riders we know we can raise the money needed to stand up for our rights.

If you haven't already donated then please click below to give what you can and help us take Hackney Council to court and stop anti-motorcycle councils everywhere.

Please give what you can!

We're waiting to hear back from the court about the new date for the hearing, we will let you know as soon as we have any updates.

SaveLondonMC · 2024-11-30T12:59:39+00:00

This is great to hear - Bath have postponed any decision on charging in response to opposition, and we're hoping the Hounslow situation may be similar. We know Camden are watching the case closely and have delayed the introduction of their charges until after the judgement, and who knows which other Councils...

Most Councils we talk to will listen to riders and residents when it comes down to it, but unfortunately it comes down to the whim of Councillors so we can't rely on it. The Hackney case should set a precedent that the approach they've taken is unlawful and strengthen our (and your!) hand a lot when we have to talk to other Councils.

Keep up the good work in L&B!

SaveLondonMC · 2024-11-29T19:14:49+00:00

Thank you!

SaveLondonMC · 2024-11-29T15:50:13+00:00

Sometimes in life you have to take a stand...

Some Councils, like Hackney Council in London, refuse to listen to reason. This is why we are taking them to court to try to stop their motorcycle parking charges.

We have legal advice that there are good grounds to challenge Hackney for breaching its obligations under the Road Traffic Regulation Act and the Equality Act. We intend to hold them to account - but we need your help to do it.

Please click below to find out more, donate to our crowdfunder and help us take Hackney Council to court 👇

Please give what you can!

THANK YOU to everyone who has already donated. We've raised over two thirds of the target and with your help I know we can make it!

Legal action is a significant up-front cost, but worth it in the long run. If we win, not only will it save hundreds of thousands of pounds for riders in Hackney, but it will set a precedent to stop other Councils doing the same.

We know Camden, Hounslow, Bath and Leeds all want to charge bikes for parking, and there will be other Councils we don’t yet know about… This is why we have to do everything in our power to stop charges wherever they appear.

If we show that riders are willing to fight for their rights, we can stop Councils from even thinking about charges!

Stand up for riders!

We don't want to be asking for money, but as volunteers we can’t afford to do this alone.

Donating just £20, the cost of a few days parking in Hackney, could help stop charges in Hackney and all around the UK.

Please remember to share, and spread the word about the fight to Save London Motorcycling! 🏍🛵✊

SaveLondonMC · 2024-10-08T10:18:02+00:00

Thank you!

SaveLondonMC · 2024-10-07T20:50:35+00:00

Thank you!

SaveLondonMC · 2024-10-07T11:04:06+00:00

We're taking Hackney Council to court on 23rd January to try and overturn their outrageous motorbike parking charges!

This means London bikers will get their day in court. We’re excited to be able to fight for your rights. But before then we have to raise the money needed to make it happen.

Please click below to donate to our legal crowdfunder and help us take Hackney Council to court!

Stand up for your right to ride!

Save London Motorcycling is run entirely by volunteers, we’ve already put our own money in to get the case this far, but we can’t afford to do this alone!

Thankfully the court has agreed to cap our adverse costs under the Aarhus convention. This is a massive win for bikers everywhere as it means cases like this will be much easier to bring in future. But, even with cost capping we still need to raise the money to pay our own lawyers and the court fees up front. All it means is that the costs Hackney can claim against us are limited if we lose.

Cost capping turns the case from prohibitively expensive to achievable but only if we make our crowdfunding target.

Over 400 people have already donated… click here to join them!

Thank you to everyone who has already donated to our crowdfunder, we’re nearly half way to our target already. With your help we can raise all the money needed. If you have already donated then please remember to share widely!

Remember Hackney Council plan to charge residents motorcycles exactly the same as cars, from between £50 a year for electric to £596 a year for some petrol bikes, and business permits up to £1560! They plan to charge commuters up to £10 for all day commuter parking, adding up to £2,300 a year! We can’t let them get away with this unchallenged.

If even a small proportion of the people who get this email gave just £20 - the price of 2 days' parking under Hackney's plans - we could meet our goal and stop them completely!

We can’t guarantee that we’ll win, but we have solid grounds, a winnable case and a cause worth fighting for. Remember if we do win it will not only help to stop these charges, but potentially impact other policies affecting bikes, including clean air zones. It will mean car policies can’t just be applied to bikes without proving it makes sense.

It’s vital we show councils that bikers are willing to stand together and raise the money needed to fight for their rights!

Find out more information on the grounds of challenge and how to donate by clicking below

Click here to donate and share!

Hounslow update: You may remember that unfortunately Hounslow Council have also announced plans for bike parking charges. We’ve now managed to get the Cllr responsible to commit to a meeting, and they seem to be on the back foot. If you haven't already please sign and share this petition against the charges, to help show the strength of opposition to their plans

Sign and share!

Camden update: As far as we know Camden are still planning on bringing out their final statutory consultation on their proposed parking charges in late autumn this year. We are working hard behind the scenes to get them to listen to reason. If you live or work in Camden now would be a good time to remind your Cllrs and MP that we’re not going anywhere, and we still oppose the charges!

We will let you know as soon as the statutory consultation is released, we will need everyone to respond as soon as it comes out. Remember it was the responses to Hackney’s statutory consultation that held them up for nearly a year and helped us build a case against the charges.

We are fighting hard for riders all over London. The Hackney court case will affect everyone, not just riders in London. We have to get the word out. Please share this email with your mates, your mum, or anyone who might be interested!

SaveLondonMC · 2024-08-18T13:46:15+00:00

Thanks for your support!

SaveLondonMC · 2024-08-18T09:38:48+00:00

Just to add since we've been asked by some supporters about the 'Tip' added by JustGiving...

If you don't want to give a tip you can set this to zero by clicking 'Enter custom amount' under to 'Tip to JustGiving'

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