Motorcycle riders parking in central London will have to pay new charges, according to a Westminster Council proposal.

The council said that the fees are needed to expand parking for the increase in motorcycles after the introduction of the congestion charge.

Riders don’t have to pay under the current system. In the proposal, riders will have to pay between ₤1 to ₤1.50 a day.

Motorcycle ridership has risen to 16000 everyday, up 40% 10 years ago.

The new fees will go into new bays and providing secure motorcycle stands.

I almost got sideswiped by a passing truck in the streets yesterday. Damm driver, trying to overtake in a narrow road! Luckily, my reflexes were good, and I pulled out of harm’s way. If I had been a second too late, I could have been hospitalized.

On a personal note, I take that as a sign that I should be more careful when I’m on the streets on my bike. I don’t want to become one of those names on casualty lists.