Plans to charge commuters and residents for parking in Central London represent a retrograde step say the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK).
Westminster’s council have announced plans to charge for all motorcycle parking. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea plans to convert the majority of free parking bays into secure bays for residents only and charge residents for parking outside their own homes.
The group which represents the interests of motorcyclists nationwide feels that Westminster should embrace the ‘two wheels better’message and do everything possible to accommodate the reasonable expectations of two-wheeled commuters whose transport choice is alleviating London’s congestion problem.
MAG recognise that some commuters might be prepared to pay a modest charge if more parking of a secure nature were installed, however the concern is that a precedent would have been established and the charge might well be ratcheted upwards.
MAG will welcome opportunities to discuss the possibilities with Westminster Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in pursuit of a resolution of the issue which serves all interests.
MAG spokesman Ian Mutch said, “Some might think that bikers are getting off too lightly with free parking but all should remember that those who use two wheels liberate space for essential four wheeled traffic, so everyone enjoys a knock-on benefit from a choice which Londoners are increasingly making.”
“If Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea would take a holistic view of this issue which recognises the economic benefits of reduced congestion then all interests would be best served.”
Ends
Notes
- Information for responding to Royal Borough Kensington & Chelsea consultation Here Word Doc Deadline 5th January 2007
- Greater London MAG report on ‘Parking in Westminster’ Here 800kb
- Greater London MAG website greater-london.mag-uk.org
- View BBC News Report Here
- Link to www.motorcycleparking.com
- MAG Foundation Secure Parking Booklet www.mag-foundation.org
Issued by
Trevor Baird
Director of Public Affairs
The UK’s Leading Riders’ Rights Organisation