Introduction
At the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), we’re angry about Adur District Council’s (ADC) new motorcycle parking charges, effective June 6, 2025. Charging £5.40 to £7.20 per day—equal to car rates—without dedicated bays or better facilities is unfair and exploitative. This reflects a national trend where councils treat motorcyclists as revenue sources, not valued transport users. It’s part of a broader oversight: the West Sussex Local Transport Plan (LTP) ignores motorcycling’s role in sustainable transport. Riders are frustrated, voicing outrage on social media. While forced electrification is our top fight, parking charges are a growing issue we’re tackling in more regions. We’re writing to ADC, seeking meetings to scrap these charges, and we need riders nationwide to stay vigilant and report similar issues. Join us—let’s make motorcycling respected, not taxed.
Adur’s Charges: Unfair and Unjust
ADC’s charges sting. Motorcycles use less space and emit less than cars, yet riders in Lancing and Shoreham-by-Sea pay car rates in surface car parks, with no dedicated bays or security. This isn’t fairness—it’s a cash grab. The council cites £140,000 in maintenance costs, but where’s the investment for riders? (BBC News). Social media echoes rider anger: “It’s just about money,” one commented on a local news post. We share this frustration—motorcycle parking charges are unfair and hit a sustainable transport mode.
Opaque Consultation and Poor Advertisement
ADC’s process lacks transparency. Consultation, required by law, is barely documented—no details on rider engagement or feedback. The announcement, tucked in local papers and social media posts, reached few, with a Visordown post gaining only 354 views on X. Worthing’s free bays—Augusta Place, Chatsworth Road, Liverpool Gardens, The Steyne—are poorly promoted. Only The Steyne appears on Google Maps, leaving visitors confused. This secrecy angers riders, who deserve clear communication, not hidden charges.
A National Revenue Grab
These charges are a revenue tactic, not a service. ADC offers no plans for secure bays or helmet storage. Across West Sussex, Arun lacks dedicated bays, while Adur charges without upgrades. Chichester and Crawley provide free parking, showing it’s possible, yet Adur prioritizes profit amid £778,600 in budget cuts (Sussex Express). Nationally, MAG is fighting similar charges in more regions, from London to Bath. These never improve parking—just fill council coffers. Riders on social media call it “unfair,” with frustration clear on platforms like Facebook. It’s a national creep we must stop.
West Sussex LTP: Missing Motorcycles
The West Sussex LTP (2022–2036) fails riders. It ignores motorcycling, focusing on walking, cycling, and public transport (West Sussex Transport Plan). Motorcycles cut congestion and emissions, supporting the LTP’s net-zero goal by 2050. Excluding them is a major oversight. Adur’s charges make motorcycling less appealing, pushing riders to cars—against the LTP’s vision. Inconsistent policies—free bays in Chichester, charges in Adur, vague rules in Horsham—add to the chaos. Riders deserve better.
Vigilance Against the National Trend
Riders, be alert. Motorcycle parking charges are spreading nationally, and West Sussex is part of this trend. These charges never bring better parking—no secure bays, no helmet storage, just costs. Adur’s policy warns us: councils exploit riders when budgets shrink. MAG is battling this in growing numbers of regions, but we need your help. Report local issues to us, from Arun to Mid Sussex and beyond. Social media shows riders’ anger, with comments like “Daylight robbery” on news posts. We’re with you, but we need every rider’s eyes and ears.
Our Commitment: Action and Respect
MAG is acting. We’re writing to ADC, requesting meetings to demand these charges be scrapped. Parking isn’t our top fight—forced electrification takes that spot—but it’s a growing concern we won’t ignore. We need riders everywhere to join us. Write to ADC, but stay polite and reasoned, even if it’s tempting to vent. Well-crafted arguments, not insults, will win this battle. Share your experiences, join MAG, and help us track this national trend. Together, we’ll ensure motorcycling is valued, not taxed, making West Sussex and beyond rider-friendly.
Call to Action
- Write to ADC: Email parking@adur-worthing.gov.uk with polite, reasoned arguments to scrap the charges.
- Report Issues: Tell MAG about local parking concerns at central-office@mag-uk.org.
- Join MAG: Become a member at mag-uk.org to strengthen our fight.
- Stay Updated: Follow our blog and social media for campaign news.
Riders, we’re angry, but we’re focused. Let’s halt this national cash grab and make motorcycling thrive.