🚨 Bikers Beware: These Seaside Towns Are Now Charging for Motorcycle Parking
If you're planning a sunny ride down to the Sussex coast, you might want to check your wallet first. As of today, Adur and Worthing Council has officially implemented parking charges for motorcycles — a decision that’s already stirring up debate among local riders.
For years, bikers visiting towns like Worthing, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, and Southwick have been able to park for free in council-run car parks. But those days are over. Now, parking your motorcycle could cost between ÂŁ5.40 and ÂŁ7.20 per day, depending on the location.
🏍️ What’s Changed?
Until now, motorcycle parking was free in council car parks as long as you weren’t taking up a space reserved for another vehicle type. But starting today, motorcyclists are officially part of the paid parking club.
According to Adur and Worthing Council, the new charges are intended to help cover maintenance costs. A spokesperson explained:
“Last year, we spent more than £140,000 monitoring, maintaining and improving our off-street car parks across Adur for users, but motorcyclists did not help fund that work at all.”
So in short — bikers, it’s your turn to chip in.
🧾 How Do You Pay?
You’ve got two options:
• Pay-and-display machine – Not the easiest method for riders, considering paper tickets and the wind aren’t a great mix.
• App-based payment – Likely the more secure (and practical) way to go, especially if you’re not keen on taping a ticket to your fuel tank.
The council also claims that all new signage is clear, visible, and placed near motorcycle bays to avoid confusion.
đź“Ť Where Will Charges Apply?
Here’s a list of council car parks in Adur where motorcycle parking fees are now in effect:
• Beach Green – Shoreham-by-Sea
• Littlecroft – North Road, Lancing
• Middle Street – Shoreham-by-Sea
• North Farm Road – Lancing
• Old Fort – Shoreham-by-Sea
• Pond Road (Community Centre) – Shoreham-by-Sea
• Riverside – Shoreham-by-Sea
• Riverside (Permit Only) – Shoreham-by-Sea
• Ropetackle – Shoreham-by-Sea
• Southwick Beach
• Southwick Square
• Tarmount Lane – Shoreham-by-Sea
You can find the full breakdown of charges and car park details on the Adur Council website.
đź’¬ What Do Riders Think?
Predictably, many motorcyclists aren’t too thrilled. On local forums and social media, riders are already voicing concerns — not just about the charges, but also the practicality of securing a pay-and-display ticket on a bike and the lack of prior consultation.
Some argue that motorcycles take up far less space than cars and have a minimal impact on wear and tear. Others point out that motorcycling helps ease congestion and reduces emissions, so penalising riders seems counterproductive.
Final Thoughts
While the move is understandable from a budget perspective, it’s bound to affect how often bikers visit these once rider-friendly coastal towns. If you're heading down that way, just be aware of the new rules — and maybe bring a few bungee cords to hold that parking ticket in place.
Have you been caught out by the new motorcycle parking fees? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!