bmf: Charging for motorcycle parking - all eyes on Westminster

Tuesday, 11 May 2010 12:00 AM

With Westminster City Council's controversial scheme for motorcycle parking charges now going before the High Court on 24th June, the 80,000 strong British Motorcyclists Federation is warning that failure to halt the scheme could result in the end of free motorcycle parking across the UK.

Although currently only affecting Westminster, the bmf say that with other Local Authorities across the country watching the situation closely, motorcyclists could soon be faced with the nationwide rollout of parking charges.

A strong supporter of the 'No To Bike Parking Tax' (NTBPT) campaign from its inception, the bmf is now calling on motorcyclists nationally to support the NTBPT legal challenge fighting-fund. Currently standing at some £30,000, the fund needs at least another £20,000 to meet the expected minimum legal costs of £50,000 (see www.notobikeparkingfees.com to donate.)

The legal action, brought by NTBPF, has gained massive rider support in London but if NTBPT lose, the bmf say that many councils across the UK, possibly starting with Birmingham and Manchester, will bring in similar Pay by Phone charges for motorcycles.

If this were to happen, the Tax Payers Alliance have calculated that annually, it would cost the UK's motorcycling community a staggering £93,000,000 in parking charges.

Commenting Chris Hodder, the bmf's Government Relations Executive said: "Let's be clear, the stakes are high. It's not an understatement to say that the only reason other Local Authorities haven't followed suit yet is that they are waiting to see what the outcome of this case is. If we don't overturn the scheme in the courts, this could spell the end of nationwide free parking for motorcycles. We need motorcyclists to donate now or we could all lose out."

Note:

In backing the 'No To the Bike Parking Tax' (NTBPT) campaign, the bmf point out that where public transport does not serve a commuter's needs and cycling is not a practical option, motorcycles and scooters, especially for low paid key workers, provide the ideal solution. Motorcycles do not cause congestion, are able to filter through traffic congestion and when parked only take one eighth of a car parking space. They are also environmentally friendly, comply with European emission limits and, coupled with their ability to avoid dense traffic, pollute far less than slow moving four-wheeled traffic.

Issued by Jeff Stone: t: 0121 709 1040 m: 07802 763094 e: jeff.stone@bmf.co.uk

Details on this and other bmf activities can also be found on our website.

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