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 11
February 2003
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE BRITISH MOTORCYCLISTS FEDERATION
CONGESTION CHARGING - THE HIDDEN AGENDA
Just as thousands of Londoners prepare to take to two
wheels to avoid next week's congestion charges, scores
of on-street motorcycle parking bays are under threat
claim the 140,000 strong British Motorcyclists Federation.
Whilst cautiously welcoming the Corporation of London's
recent announcement of six hundred extra motorcycle spaces
in the Swan Lane and White's Row multi-story car parks,
the BMF have discovered that the on-street parking of
motorcycles is being frowned upon by senior administrators.
According to The Corporation of London Borough's 'Street
Scene Challenge' programme, plans are already in hand
for a major clean up of eight areas in 2003/04 with a
second round of projects in 2004/05.
The ambitious plan is primarily designed 'to create a
safe and pedestrian friendly environment' and as a result,
all on-street parking is to be 'rationalised' and the
effect of traffic 'minimised'. While supporting these
basic aims, the BMF say that the result will be that motorcycles
and scooters will be moved to the off-street parking of
private companies or to Corporation/NCP car parks.
Areas in the first round are: Queen Street Area, King
Street Area, Southwark Bridge Area, Carter Lane/South
St Pauls' Area, Fetter Lane/Fleet Street Conservation
Area, Bouverie Street/Fleet Street Conservation Area,
Aldgate/St Botolph Street, Junction of Aldgate/Fenchurch,
St/Leadenhall St/Mitre Square - all areas heavily used
by motorcycle and scooter riders.
The BMF are now demanding that the Corporation of London:
Provide sufficient secure motorcycle and scooter parking
to meet demand
That parking remains free
That motorcycle and scooter users are consulted in regard
to future changes
That a policy document on motorcycle and scooter parking
is drafted based on the needs of City users
Commenting, BMF spokesman Jeff Stone said: "The UK
stands alone in refusing to accept the motorcycle and
scooter as a legitimate and sensible means of city transport.
The essence of two-wheeled travel is convenience, something
you're not going to get with remote centralised car parks.
This plan will only add to the annoyance of city commuters".
"It's short sighted and short on logic," he
added.
Issued by Jeff Stone:
t: 0121 709 1040 f: 0121 705 8784
e: jeff.stone@bmf.co.uk
Details on this and other BMF activities can also be found
on our web site: http://www.bmf.co.uk |
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