The motorcycle enthusiasts fighting City Hall over controversial parking fees in Britain's capital has found a corporate ally.

Advocacy groups and individual riders have long been at odds with Westminster County Council in London with the official decision to end free motorcycle parking in the borough from the end of January.

Motorcycle enthusiasts have been protesting the inevitable road trip that led to the parking fees for some time. British motorcycle advocacy groups and even the Mayor of London condemned parking fees Westminster City Council imposed as a supposed 'trial period' as far back as August 2008.

Now corporate support is coming from leading courier insurance specialists Staveley Head.
 
The company that's provided courier insurance to organizations across Britain are warning their clients to be wary following Westminster County Council's controversial decision over the motorcycle parking.

Noting the move will have a huge impact on couriers operating in the area, most of whom have to make many short stops throughout the day and are likely to fall foul of the new rules. Since August, motorcyclists have been forced to use bike parking bays at a charge of £1 a day.

Motorcycle enthusiasts consider free parking as a right of riders navigating one of Europe's most congested cities. The protests gained nationwide attention in Britain with bikers concerned the parking fees would spread to other congested cities not only across the country, but throughout Europe. 
 
Many experts agree motorcycle ownership in London soared by 50 per cent between 1997 and 2007. Westminster officials claim that even before the increase of bikers, motorcycle parking spots were oversubscribed by up to 150 per cent.

Although the decision has now been made permanent under a new bylaw, many are continuing to protest it, most notably, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) are urging riders to donate to a 'legal fighting fund' in order to challenge the decision. The fund has already raised around £30,000, however the group has stated that more is needed in order to save free bike parking nationally.

"Westminster City Council's decision to make permanent their controversial scheme for motorcycle parking charges could have national implications and therefore makes it more important than ever that motorcyclists fight this retrograde move," a spokesperson for BMF commented, "Currently standing at some £30,000, the fund needs at least another £20,000 to meet the expected minimum legal costs of £50,000."

Flintshire based Staveley Head are in full support of this action.

"We fully oppose the Government's move to abolish free motorcycle parking," a spokesperson from Staveley Head said,"This will have a massive effect on many of our courier clients who have for so long relied on the ability to park for a short period of time outside business premises."

"We would encourage all of our customers to fully support the initiatives of the BMF and other groups who are campaigning against the move," the spokesperson continued.