Clampdown on pavement parking spaces makes life tough for the City's easy riders

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For years bikers have parked on narrow strips of pavement beside office blocks.

But under new powers, the City of London is clamping down on pavement parking.

It has leafleted motorbikes, warning owners that they will be fined £120 if they continue to park in the City's numerous alleyways and small squares.

It has also handed out information on where bikers can park.

The options include 1,200 free onstreet spaces and free provision at nine carparks.

But motorcyclists complain that these moves will make the severe shortage of parking worse.

"I have had permission to park in Change Alley, near my office, from the landowner," said City worker John Matheson.

"The section near the building is private land and I park there because it has CCTV - and because I've had three motorcycles stolen in five years.

"Under the City of London's parking options I now have to get all the way to Blackfriars or the Tower of London.

"The only way to find a suitable space is to arrive at 7am before the bays are full. There is not enough parking; and what there is, is in the wrong place. This will make us liable to further thefts."

The British Motorcycle Federation said: "The City has banned parking but is not making extra provision. It is tiny-minded and will put more pressure on spaces available."

However, a spokesman for the City said parking on pavements had always been illegal and that it is clamping down on the problem in line with a London-wide concerted campaign to make pavements better for pedestrians.

The spokeswoman added: "We have made plenty of other provisions for motorcycles including free parking at nine carparks.

"Motorcyclists often park in front of fire escapes and make progress difficult in alleyways for wheelchair users. Sometimes pedestrians have to walk [in single file] to get through."