Motorcycle parking at Stansted

[pvmw]

My usual solution to the cost of parking is to take a motorcycle, and until recently there has been free M/C parking at Stansted in the red car park.

I've been told that this is no longer the case, and it is now necessary to pre-book. However, I've also been told this is not the case. I've had a quick web search, and come up with several contradictory results - including one chap who demonstrated on Youtube how you can ride a bike past the end of the barrier to get it (however, there wasn't an equivalent video showing him getting out again). On his video there were quite a number of bike parked up, including what appeared to be a dedicated bike parking area.

Can anyone enlighten me with confidence as to the current situation. I don't want to turn up and find I can't park without paring lots of money - in which case I might as well take a car.

[spekesoftly]

According to the Stansted website, motorcyclists receive a 50% discount on pre-book prices in the Red Zone of the Short Stay car park and in the Q Zone of the Long Stay car park. You have to pre-book by phone.

Travelling By Car To and From London Stansted Airport | Stansted Airport (http://www.stanstedairport.com/to-and-from-the-airport/travelling-by-car/)

[pvmw]

I rang the premium line a 13p/minute and had to wait 10 minutes before they answered me. That apparently now to be the policy, bikes get charged 1/2 price of a car, which is a real rip off as they put the bikes in a dedicated area so they take up a heck of a lot less space than a car does.

What is really infuriating is you have to ring and book in advance (after waiting an indeterminate time at 13p/minute) or they charge £42/day for the same space.

A couple of the bikers forums say just turn up and park, as you can get past the barrier without having to have it opened. But iffy tho', I'd hate to be hit with a demand for 6 days unbooked parking.

Its a pity they've got so greedy. I might as well use the car, contribute to the traffic jams and take up a full space.

[DaveReidUK]

Its a pity they've got so greedy. I might as well use the car, contribute to the traffic jams and take up a full space.

I suspect you can park pedal cycles for free. :O

[Harry Wayfarers]

Park at, or near, a local rail station and take the train in and out

[Heathrow Harry]

only until people use them........

[Trav a la]

Tight sods!

At Man it's free, because they use areas where they cannot get a car.

The bike parking area for T1 is under the ramp up to the multi story carpark, directly opposite the Jet2 check in hall. It's dry, well lit and even has CCTV covering it. Also has ground anchors to lock up to.

I'm sure there must be somewhere similar at Stansted that could be used.

MAG suggestion box anywhere?

[racedo]

Not a biker but makes sense having a clear secure area.................. free or for a token amount.

[ExXB]

Not a biker but makes sense having a clear secure area.................. free or for a token amount.

Since when has making sense been a priority for an airport. Making money is everything.

[Cuillin Hills]

Bonkers. But not a surprise at Stansted.

A bit like Dartford River Crossing charging bikers 30p/crossing when they had the kiosks.

Must have taken me a minute to get the bike into neutral, undo glove, take it off, remove pre stored 30p in coins, pay cashier, replace hot glove (not easy sometimes), get it back into gear then ride off.

All for 30p. Meanwhile frustrated car drivers behind me.

Bridge crossings in Europe generally free for motorbikes.

[carousel]

Use public transport no charge for parking!

[Paracab]

Park in one of the many streets in Stansted Mountfitchet for nothing, decent area too, then hop on the train for £3.50. Takes about 8 mins.