Calls to end motorbike parking fee scheme in Westminster

A new parking scheme for motorbikes is set to make a £430,000 loss, bringing calls for it to be scrapped.

Westminster council spent more than £2 million setting up the £1-a-day scheme which caused an outbreak of protests from motorcyclists calling for the retention of free parking.

According to documents seen by Labour councillors, the council's projected income is £2,022,594, but expenditure is predicted to be £2,453,094. More than £154,500 was spent on call handling, £37,500 on new signs and lines and £497,664 on enforcement.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, leader of the Labour group, said: "These figures show beyond doubt that not only are Westminster's motorbike charges unpopular, controversial and divisive, they are also a financial disaster for Westminster council tax payers."

Warren Djanogly of protest group No To Bike Parking Tax, said: "Now that it costs to have enforcement, shouldn't it be scrapped altogether?"

Westminster's cabinet member for city management, Danny Chalkley, said: "The introduction of motorcycle parking charges is not about revenue raising, it is about dealing with the increasing pressures on our roads."