The Motorcycle Action Group has launched an e-petition on the 10 Downing St site to challenge over zealous police reaction to alleged risks at motorcycle events.
The petition follows a parliamentary question on the subject that MAG member Lembit Öpik MP tabled in Parliament earlier this year.
MAG is concerned by the apparent enthusiasm displayed for closing events on the basis of information about criminal intent which police are not obliged to share with event organisers.
MAG President Ian Mutch said, ‘I suspect that the police are themselves victims of a health and safety culture which is leading them to pick the safe option of closing events to avoid becoming targets of criticism if something goes wrong.’
‘It is intolerable that event organisers should face financial ruin because of factors that are not of their making. We feel that if organisers are eligible for compensation under such circumstances then pressure may be exerted on the police which could restore balance to a situation which appears to be getting out of control.’
The petition reads as follows:
Criminal compensation
Compensate fully the innocent organisers of public events where police have achieved cancellation based on undisclosed ‘intelligence received’ regarding the potential criminal actions of parties unrelated to the event organiser.
To sign the petition, click here:
petitions.number10.gov.uk/Eventsatrisk/
For further information contact:
Ian Mutch 020 8556 6495 theroad@mag-uk.org 07799 764 161