Motorcyclists not entitled to residents’ parking, says council

Motorcyclists are not allowed to use residents’ parking bays even if they pay, a council has said.

Instead they must use free motorcycle parking bays not found on every street under Brighton and Hove City Council’s rules.

Council officials say we can’t use the same spaces as cars because permits are too easily stolen from motorcycles.

Asked why motorcyclists shouldn’t be allowed to park in the same spaces as cars, a spokesman added: “They would take up capacity on the street so we felt a better option was to provide free parking.” 

John Mole, 63, received a £70 fine despite a £2 resident visitor’s permit attached to his petrol tank. He said: “It is discrimination and the council hasn’t even made it known to bikers that they cannot park in the normal spaces.”

The council spokesman said: “The conditions of use of our visitor permits specifically say they must be displayed by either folding the permit over the nearside window or placing the permit in clear view on the nearside dashboard. Neither or these are possible with motorcycles.

“Mr Mole has told us he fixed the visitor permit to his petrol tank. Our enforcement officer did not see it and it is not clear from the photos taken where the permit was displayed.

“We have advised Mr Mole of the appeals process that is open to him and have sent him a form to allow him to do so.”