Over-zealous traffic wardens have been ticketing motorbikes on display outside a dealer’s in High Barnet.

The manager of Metropolis Motorbikes, in Greenhill Parade, received six tickets in ten days from parking wardens who he claims were told to target the shop following a single complaint.

Mike Phipps, who has run the Ducati dealership for the past six years, has now been told he must apply to Barnet Council for a street traders’ licence if he wants to continue to display the vehicles.

The premises has existed as a bike shop for 20 years and, barring a single parking ticket two years ago, Mr Phipps says there has never been an issue with the bikes on the pavement.

He said: “It doesn’t help this business. Being able to display what we’re selling is a major part of our shop. The kids like seeing them – they’re interested in them.

“The council says it is for health and safety reasons but that doesn’t go away just because I’ve paid for a different licence.”

Up to ten bikes have been displayed outside the shop in the past, but Mr Phipps says he is always mindful not to block the pavement between the shop and a nearby bus stop.

Traffic wardens began randomly ticketing the bikes last month and Mr Phipps says it has been a battle trying to speak with anyone in the parking department to resolve the issue.

He said: “Just trying to get hold of the parking team is a nightmare – all I wanted was someone to come down and explain what I can and can’t do.

“If they were blocking the pavement I would fully understand but it’s not been a problem for the last few years.

“If I have to get a licence then fine, but it’s the way they conduct themselves that annoys me. If they’re going to ticket the bikes, why don’t they ticket all of them? This could have been sorted another way.”

A spokesman for Barnet Council said in a statement: “The council’s parking and licensing teams have been in contact several times with Mr Phipps about the issue of parking bikes outside of his premises following complaints from members of the public. 

“The display bikes block access to the footpath and the bus-stop and parents and the public are concerned the bikes could cause injury to them and young children. Mr Phipps is also currently not licensed to display the bikes on the pavement.”