Motorcycle Forum / Country Specific / UK Group / August 2007

Why petitioning government in 2007 is a waste of time.  The tail now shakes
the dog.

Freebikeparking - epetition reply

6 August 2007

We received a petition asking:

   "We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Stop local councils
charging for motorbike parking."

   Details of Petition:

   "Local councils increasingly see motorcyclists as money spinners.
Charging for motorbike parking goes against the Government's stated policy
of reducing congestion and increasing environmental awareness. Those who use
two wheels liberate space for essential four wheeled traffic, especially in
busy urban areas, so everyone enjoys a knock-on benefit from those who
choose to ride a bike. Motorbikes are more efficient and produce less
harmful emissions than other forms of motorized transport. Charging for bike
parking will impact most on those least able to pay, pricing essential
workers out of already expensive urban areas, especially in London and other
UK cities. Please Mr Blair, don't allow local councils to charge motorbikes
for parking, but urge them to take a holistic view of this issue and
recognize the economic benefits of reduced congestion in the best interests
of all the UK's city dwellers.

   * Read the petition
   * Petitions home page

Read the Government's response

It is for each individual traffic authority to decide on what to charge for
parking and the vehicles to which these charges should apply. The decisions
by the traffic authority should reflect the objectives of their Local
Transport Plan. The Government generally sees no reason why people using a
parking place should not be expected to contribute towards the cost of
providing and maintaining it, rather than the burden falling entirely on
local council tax and business rate payers.