Motorcyclists will have to start paying to park in Lewisham if draft budget cuts set out this week are approved.  

Lewisham Council says it needs to make £40 million in cuts over the next three years. 

This week it published a second round of cuts proposals worth £15.1 million, added to the more than £26 million set out in November. 

It brings the total cuts planned for next year to £28 million. 

In a bid to cut £80,000 from the budget in 2022/23, the council is planning to start charging motorcyclists for parking – they currently park for free in controlled parking zones (CPZs) and on any permit holder or pay-and-display bay in the borough.  

Some parking is also available in car parks free of charge.  

Motorcyclists would be required to hold a valid permit to park in any permit holder bay, which would be charged based on emissions.  

The proposed changes would mean parking will be free for electric motorcycles, but for those that are not a fee of £1 per day would be charged. 

The £1 daily permit would allow motorcyclists to move freely between different parking bays in the borough.  

Longer term permits would also be available – £3 for a week, £10 for a month, £30 for three months, and £100 for a year. 

Visitors to the borough would also have to display either a visitor e-voucher or buy a cashless parking session when parked in short-stay bays. 

According to council documents: “This is aimed at tackling air pollution from motorcycles by encouraging people to switch to less polluting models or more sustainable forms of transport.  

“It will also bring all motorcycle parking charges in line with other vehicles, which have had emissions-based permits since last year.  

“Poor air quality contributes to an estimated 10,000 premature deaths every year in London.  

“As vehicle emissions are the primary source of air pollution in London, it is crucial that Lewisham plays its part in tackling this source of pollution. 

“The proposals would also bring Lewisham in line with the majority of other inner London boroughs that already charge for motorcycle parking.”