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After the tax started, i had my motorbike stolen from a bay in Maida Vale where i live. I received 2 parking ticket notices while it was stolen from me. I sent 6 letters to westminster council parking services (all recorded delivery) appealing the ticket and supplying the crime reference numbers given to me by the police.
After over 3 months of NO RESPONSE i was absolutely distraught. The real problem was that they were sending the warnings, court summons and bailiffs notices to my friend, who i had just bought the bike off of; a Doctor of environmental science.
The good doctor had sent 3 letters herself, clearly explaining the fact that she was innocent in all matters, yet it went all the way to her being threatened by bailiffs.
I finally managed to get ahold of Paul Dimoldenberg's (Labour councillor) email address and promptly emailed him with all the details of my disgraceful treatment. He rectified the situation immediately and westminster's response was to revoke the action on the PCNs, apologise and promise extra training to it's staff!!
How ridiculous is it that i had to go to a government councillor to get 2 simple parking tickets (wrongly issued) cancelled??!!
Even more ridiculous is that Coucillor Burdbridge has the audacity to say that because i am a motorcyclist opposed to an obvious tax that I AM USING BULLY BOY TACTICS!!!!!!!!!!

Ignoring 9 letters and threatening 2 respectable London citizens is BULLY BOY TACTICS Ms Burdbridge.

- James Earp, United Kingdom_London_Maida Vale, 31/03/2009 00:15
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Wcc want their cake and eat it, they want to tax Everyone they also want you to shop in westminster but charge any motorist for stopping to do so. I personally dont buy anything inside the congestion zone because of the charge. Perhaps if more people went into shops a said they dont spend because of the cc and bike parking tax perhaps we would then get the shop keepers to make a noise on our behalf as well, once they saw their profits dropping. i know this seems harsh on the ordinary shopkeeper but its simple. remove the taxes on us and we spend again .......Just a thought

- Kms, Welling Uk, 29/03/2009 10:42
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I don't understand why a simple measure that demonstrably works throughout a majority of the civilised world cannot be introduced to address motorcyclists, motorists and WCC concerns?

Elsewhere in Europe - I simply park freely on the pavement. Motorcyclists tend to be rather responsible in their choice of location for the sake of the preservation of their machine (if nothing else). This would mean free parking for motorcyclists (likewise, more secure parking as it leaves you free to find objects to 'lock' to. Further, it would free up 4500 parking bays to be converted back to car parking spaces, increasing revenue potential for the council - Wouldn't we all win???

- Ben Ingram, London, 25/03/2009 13:37
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This whole scheme is nothing short of absurd. There is no justifiable reason for imposing this cost on two wheel users other than to fleece a minority group of road users where they had previously been unable to. There is a perceived loss of earnings as a result of the C-charge in London because- and this has been unashamedly been stated to me in responses from the few morons in WCC who have actually responded to me- it would appear that the recent increase in scooter / bike usage is a direct result of the introduction of the C charge. Rather, therefore, than heralding this as a success, they now feel they should go after those bad, tax-evading scooter and bike users- for this is how they think.

The benefits of scooter / motorcycle usage are obvious. They are so clearly the only solution to a reduction in congestion, and should be encoraged as a result.

There isn't a single country in the world that charges 2 wheelers to park- what bloody-minded train of thought is going on in WCC's mind for thinking it can be the first? Utter, utter, backward-thinking idiocy.

Shame on you, ES, for reporting so irresponsibly and without investigating the facts. It appears that for some bizarre reason there still exists a real anti-motorcycle sentiment in this country. And as for the headline: there are plenty of scooter users who are suffering from this policy- you might as well include them in your branding of 2 wheel users as hooligans.

- Anthony Huntford, London. UK, 23/03/2009 16:30
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Peaceful protest(s) made, petitions signed and delivered to the council, letters sent to coucillors, an informative website set up to spead the plight of bikers in westminster, support sought(AND GAINED!)through letters/approaches to some MP's, Councillors and London's Mayors office.
Whilst I cannot speak for everyone and say that no-one has done anything wrong I am confident saying that 99.9999% of bikers on this proccess have followed this entitled protest within the law.
Westminster council seem to be the root of many acts of changing the focus of this protest, I question if these are in fact smear tactics...?
This all detracts from the reason why there is a protest to start with - Bikers are saying "NO; we do not want this unfair tax! we do our bit by easing congestion, Co2 and give Londons heaving public trasport system a few less to cope with, why persecute us?"

- Chris Hampton, Wimbledon, London, 23/03/2009 15:16
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It very funny how other Council (no-names) are offering money towards a bike if you give up bringing your car into london ...!!! its a shame WWC dont have the same commen sence approach.

WWC SHAME ON YOU NEXT YOU BE CHARGING OLD LADYS FOR THERE DISABLED BUGGIES.

- David Marchant, Harrow, 23/03/2009 14:35
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Seems to me the only hate campaign being mounted is the one that the council have mounted towards the bikers. I am not a biker but I agree with the bikers.
The council sit around thinking of new ways to tax us all and now it is the bikers turn. And eventually these charges will be implemented across the county because at the end of the day the council can and will do what they want. They are the ones who are the bullies.

- Em, London, 23/03/2009 13:54
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Income tax, Value added Tax?, Council Tax, Inheritance Tax, Stamp Duty, Fuel Duty, Insurance Tax, Road Tax, National Health Insurance, Airport Tax, Car Parking Tax,
all these I pay or have paid if I don't it's prison, whose the bully boy? Am supposed to jump for joy when some short sighted beauraucrat tries to implement yet another means of extorting monies from the Public?
If this was France there would have been petrol bombs, cars set ablaze and wholesale looting! but it's good old Britain ( England apparently does not exist anymore for some reason ) where we all just mutter something barely audible and shuffle along on our way, that is unless your a Biker or an individual willing to stand up and voice his or her views and objections, willing to take part in the Democratic Process. It would seem the only people not taking part in tis Democratic Process are Westminster City Council. Stop acting like children WCC.

- Rob, Kingsbridge, Devon, 22/03/2009 12:33
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What do you want to do tax the air next ? what a stupid idea charging motorbikes to park surely you should be encouraging them to come into Westminster ? ban all tin cages on wheels thats what you should be bothered about council cretins !

- Chas Woodley, Croydon London, 22/03/2009 11:27
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This is the thin edge of the wedge & if the WCC are allowed to impose this changes how long do you think it'll be before other local authorities do the same? as for what WCC will do with such ill-gotten gains' I expect they'll stash it away to use as an election sweetener.
I also take issue with being described as a ' Bully-Boy' (which don't condone), however this did amuse my teenage child, however I still believe you have the right to challenge something we disagree with if & if that means sending letters/e-mails or voicing such in public so be it & if certain elected officials won't listen public opinion they should resign.

- Daryl Hibberd, Rayleigh, Essex, 21/03/2009 12:56
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All of those that are surprised that Bikes don't pay for congestion charge, are welcome to take to two wheels and not pay. This is because motorbikes solve congestion not create it. I warn you though it is dangerous on the road without a roll cage etc.

Those of you that are surprised that Motorbikes did not not pay to park until now. What is the problem? Are you jealous? Do you want to park for free? When did you last ask, nicely mind? I suspect you want us to pay because you can't be bothered to even ask for free parking. Sorry we have had free parking and will get free parking again, without resulting to violence or frets. So join us on 31st March at 6.45 Westminster Council Office, Vitoria street, SW1. And when we have finished with them the council may be willing to listen to you.

- Andrew Culpeck, London, 21/03/2009 11:46
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I am amazed at the lack of democratic process and environmental responsibility displayed by Westminster Council. Do they really think that they can make their own laws without having public support. This tax on motorcyclists can only serve to discourage an environmentally friendly form of transport and I believe that the Evening Standard should be supporting all powered two wheelers to encourage them make it easier to commute and park in London. For every commuter that switches from a car to a bike that will mean less time spent on the roads, less congestion and less pollution. Free parking for bikes is something that should not be regarded lightly, it is one of the main attractions for a lot of commuters. If parking charges for bikes were introduced throughout the UK a lot of people would think twice about commuting that way and then the number of cars on the road or extra passengers on an already overcrowded public transport system would increase.

- Adrian, London UK, 21/03/2009 11:27
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I ride a motorcycle, on my own, ain't part of no bad ass gang, don't abuse people, don't hassel councilors, have protested, 'peacefully' and hate being robbed. £150 a year to park in a bay rammed with scooters and other motorcycles, and pay out more money to fix all the damage done to my bike because WCC failed to increase the size of the bays. But thats politics for you, the truth just seems to pass it by....

- Jmckin, London, 20/03/2009 22:34
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I am not a biker but support their cause absolutely.
The allegations of harrasment of council officials may or may not be true. I do know from my own experience of protesting that officials do not take any notice of peaceful demos. The Iraq anti=war march being a good example. This parking tax is just one more revenue raiser for the bureaucrats who have an insatiable appetite for our money. It is time to call 'time' on these petty dictators and show that we will not stand by for yet more bullying.

- Adams, London, 20/03/2009 09:14
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I suppose when letters are written, and councillors are confronted by a boisterous crowd, it can be construed as harassment. I suppose you can be accused of assault if you raise your voice and make gestures about something...
Why does the English culture so abhor the idea of protestation?? This stiff upper lip and 'never complain' culture is inappropriate for this new era of ever increasing restriction and profiteering by local councils.
This parking charge for motorbikes is nothing but a profit-making enterprise, and must be contested.
If these counsellors who feel unjustly intimidated by a group of concerned and dedicated protesters, they should leave their pensions and get a job elsewhere.

- William Scaldwell, Battersea, 19/03/2009 21:58
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What exactly have Westminster Council have spent the money raised from motorcycle parking on? I commute into Victoria every day and the congestion around that area is nothing short of horrendous. I would have thought that any local authority with a congestion problem even remotely as bad as that in Westminster would be doing everything it could to encourage alternative modes of transport, not discourage them by levying taxes. It’s pretty obvious that not a single penny from the parking tax has gone towards any other scheme that would otherwise alleviate traffic in the same way that increased motorcycle use does. It dismays me to see that Westminster council have now resorted to a blatantly transparent campaign of negative press in order to redress some of the damage they have heaped upon themselves since the introduction of the parking charge. A very poor show indeed.

- Simon, Maidstone, 19/03/2009 21:54
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Westminster Council are like all councils robbing motorist by introducing parking bays which are controlled by the councils. What is congestion? Westminster Council are quick to sell 3 cemetery,s for 5p each oh yes and the voting scandal. Wake up Westminster Council Free Parking for Bikes.

- Paul Michaelides, Arkley, 19/03/2009 21:39
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What a joke Chalkey is!! Gangs of marauding bikers indeed.
Does he think that the bikers on the demo will be ripping bats heads off to drink their blood?
The fact is that WCC realise that they are up against a well thought out and orchestrated peaceful protest so they have set out to discredit it. Unluckily for them they failed to realise the diverse nature of bikers today and have tried to play on ancient stereotypes.
To the few jokers who are indignant that bikers don't have to pay congestion or parking charges then the answer is there.. get a bike !
If you can't see that bikes are a great way of reducing congestion then just sit there in the jams.

- Andy Dunnet, Edinburgh, 19/03/2009 21:07
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Since I do not have (or generally need)a mobile phone, I am prohibited from parking in certain parts of London! Though now retired, I worked in London beyond "normal office hours", and beyond public transport availabilty times, as I am sure many others do now. A motorcycle was and is an ideal solution. If I need to park it for 20mins while I take a parcel to the post office, why am I expected to pay for a day's parking?

- David Birt, Redhill, Surrey, UK, 19/03/2009 21:03
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O.K. I'm female,52, and own 4 yes 4 bikes. Why? Because I'm disabled and for now still have both of my legs. My bikes give me a great sense of freedom. I love being out in the open air but can't walk too far. You can't get any exemption for a bike. However I can for my 23 year old camper van. So what do I do? Answer. I park my van in Westminster and I have a small motorcycle in the back. (De Blasi) The whole thing is ill thought out. It makes me want to swear!!!!

- Julia, london, 19/03/2009 17:18
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Like many others I believe that we need to cut down on carbon emissions by using less polluting alternatives to cars. Public transport is a great option - so are motorbikes. The more incentives there are for people to take the less polluting choice the more likely they are too. Let the motorbikes park for free and charge extra for the obscene use of 4 x 4s

- Pamela Maunsell, London, 19/03/2009 17:01
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Great to see the biking (and non biking) community standing up to the petty establishment and the biased, totally un-objective sensationalist press (shame on you Evening Standard)!!

Hopefully we can keep the momentum behind the campaign without the ridiculous smear comments continuing. 99.9% of us totally law abiding members of the public who are trying to make a collective stand against a money grabbing government !!

It has pretty much all been said above, time and time again...

- Bikes help reduce congestion and pollution so why are they not encouraged with schemes like free parking?

- The signage communicating the changes was up for a matter of days, hardly long enough to inform the general public

- Westminster council LIED about how much revenue they had taken from parking fines due to bikers not knowing of the change due to the poor communication - around £1,000,000 wasn't it - SHAME FULL

- We are in a recession, why not ease the load on Londoners where possible rather than make it all more expensive?

And to the few people above that say bike riders should pay, consider this - one car parking bay will hold around 8-10 bikes so for that one space alone Westminster Council will be raking in £150 a day - It is a disgrace!! Will we see improvement on the roads or the money being ploughed back into London. Nope, we will see it spent on the next stealth tax idea!!

Hope to see you all on the ride out on the 31st - we can beat them if we stick together!!!

- Max House, London (SE20), 19/03/2009 16:54
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Westminster Council appear to have done all in their power to railroad this measure through including it would now seem allegations of fear tactics being used against their staff. They have consistently tried to thwart the legitimate protest of the, largely legitimate, biking public. Firstly by making it almost impossible to register objections on their website or with contact with the councillors and now with this smear campaign. The facts are that the vast majority of bikers are decent family men who just prefer a different, more efficient, less congestive form of transport which if Westminster Council were not so biased they would be welcome as a help not hindrance to the freer passage through and around the city. More free parking is the logical answer to the question not less.

- John Atkins, Chelmsford, 19/03/2009 16:46
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And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the sad low level that politics has fallen to in this country.

- Guy H, London, 19/03/2009 16:42
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A lot of people don't like bikers and I accept that, why should we park for free. Well perhaps if car drivers didn't take up two spaces when they park, pull in on double yellos because they are only poping into the shop for a paper and end up causing a traffic build up or double park out side schools etc causing problems not to mention countless other problems not caused by bikes then I would take on board the nasty comments above. I also have a car but as a biker am much more aware of other road users and do not give much weight to these opinions. Bikes are a great way to bet traffic problems and if someone is willing to brave the weather and other road users who disreguard bikers to the degree they dont mind putting them off the road then that biker deserves any and all perks of being on a bike.

- Robert Ferguson, Dromara, N. Ireland, 19/03/2009 16:38
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We PTWs Users and cyclists are the solution to congestion and pollution in London or any other major cities in the Uk. Why are we penalised to improving life? We should get applause instead of threat!!!! People just don't ever learn, do they? Look what GREED did to us all, bringing the economy back to Black Monday!!! Councils loosing millions of our money to bad investment in foreign country instead of using that money to improve roads, pavements condition and lower council tax while improving services. How long do WCC think that people are going take this without some kind of response of discontent!!!!? Citizens have now awaken and Gov as well as local authorities should not make a mistake assuming that we'll continue to bend over and moan afterwards!! This time is over!!! The People are awake!!! Listen to Mr Cameron and do the right thing... Apologise for your mistake, admit you've got it wrong this time... Be smart!!!

- Philippe, London, 19/03/2009 16:29
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There are 2 issues here one is the charge for parking small economic enviromentally friendly forms of transport
which goes against all political party principles and the second is about making deflamatory remarks towards a group of people who voice their opposition to something that is just an additional tax
Gone are the days of the Mods and Rockers the vast majority of people that ride motorbikes are ordinary hard working and family orientated and use a bike for pleasure or commuting.
For an elected representative to actively try to distort the publics perception of such a group beggars belief as many bike groups raise thousands of pounds for charities up and down the country money which they freely donate.
I hope be there to register my opposition on March 31
Ride safe

- Essex Dave, Hockley UK, 19/03/2009 16:15
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What next cyclist tax? Congestion charge on motorcycles? Walking tax? Air tax?

Please stop targeting us. I bought a motorcycle to cut down pollution levels and ease up congestion on the road. Why are you targeting us? I don't threaten you, nor do most, next you're going to make terrorists out of us.

This is ridiculous and a money making scheme. We the people do not agree with it and stand up for our rights. Some may go overboard, but that is not all of us.

However Westminister seem to feel it's ok to dictate tax on us no matter what we say. Don't we the public get a chance to vote or have our opinions count?

What happened to freedom of rights?

Not all of us are thugs, only a minute few, so please keep your false judgement and propaganda to yourselves.

So please lighten up and target the real issues, instead of wasting everyone's time and fueling hate in a country that already has enough problems.

We are in a recession, aren't you supposed to be more sympathetic to our finances? The last bit of freedom I have and peace of mind is my motorcycle.

Please don't do this, have a heart, just stand down and do the right thing, instead of fuel hate for greed.

There are also many female cyclists, so nice publicity stunt, but surely you cant think that we are that stupid?

- Axe, London, 19/03/2009 15:49
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Typical of a politician, when you're losing the argument set out to "smear" your opponent! Well it will not work, the time has long past when you can get away with just labelling all users of two wheels as "bully boys" and thugs. I'm a 60+ business owner and have held a motorcycle licence for 40+ years. I use my bike to get around London on business and pleasure and it's my experience that the two "wheelers" of today are a very friendly, very ecletic bunch of people coming from ALL walks of life and with very varying backgrounds, but all sharing enthusiasm for the benefits and pleasures of travelling on two wheels. They are certainly NOT the "bully boys" and thugs as portrayed in the ES article. All of us have a democratic right to peacefully protest and we should absolutely not be deterred by these purile "smear" tactics.

- Nick Pierce, Hayes Middx., 19/03/2009 15:41
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Spin, Spin sugar. A sensationalist press release followed by sensationalist reporting. Chalky claims the demo will inconvenience shops and business in Westminster. Contrast this with using parking fees for "demand management" and Sat parking fees for all to discourage people from coming into Westminster and using those shops and businesses.

What is perhaps more entertaining is to see Chalky and his friends using the exact same arguments we are using against them over motorcycle parking when complaining to the TFL about the congestion charge and the western extension.

This is all about the money and nothing more. But increasingly it's also about Chalky's career. A few more of these ludicrous press releases and it'll be over.

- Julian Bond, ware, herts, 19/03/2009 15:32
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I brought my 125 motorcycle as it worked out cheaper than the travel card I was buying on a monthly basis, that includes buying the bike and safety equipment, insuring it, petrol, tax, everything, and now I have to pay to park, now this would be almost except-able if I were actually getting something for this tax instead the bay where I parked my bike and pay for the permit in Soho is now full up with the councils own mopeds leaving me to worry about finding somewhere else to park - not easy I tell you.
To answer a couple of previous posts - the congestion charge is to stop (believe it or not) CONGESTION, a motorcycle doesn't cause congestion i am afraid.
It's not a special treatment it's a reward, i'll explain - as a motorcyclist who commutes everyday rain or shine (okay the snow caught me out this year) I have freed the roads of london from another car, given space to someone on the tube, but in doing this I have to dodge people in cars and pedestrians who don't look where they're going pulling out at junctions or stepping out in to the road, I often wonder if they're aiming for me! getting to my destination in one piece often amazes me - so free parking is a reward for having to endure some of the most selfish people in London while trying to make a difference.

- Matthew Claridge, Hammersmith, 19/03/2009 15:30
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The council seem to think when people come together and voice their disapproval of their policies it is 'bully boy' tactics, rather than an essential part of a functioning democracy. Obviously this gathering of motorcyclists includes a wide proportion of Londoners, some of which are misguided in their enthusiasm. But the same could be said of councilors, I remember a few years ago a councilor for Lambeth resigned over a £2.8 million pound fraud case. Motorcycles are used by a broad spectrum of people – those who use it for cheaper than TFL transportation and those who use it as a more reliable and quicker than TFL transportation. Both reduce congestion on roads and on already overcrowded buses and tubes.
Good luck to the bikers, protest now before they start taxing protests in Westminster, for being “threatening”.
It's all over. The politicians have finally shut us out of their game for good and we have nowhere left to turn. We're not part of their world any more. We don't even speak the same language. We're the ants in their garden. The bacteria in their stools. They have nothing but contempt for us. They snivel and lie and duck questions while demanding we respect their authority. They monitor our every belch and fart, and insist it's all for our own good.

- John, London, 19/03/2009 15:21
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Dear Sirs,
Your article is a jounalistic joke in that it is so one-sided that it ignores the case by motorcylists. The terms "motor cylists deny", "are accused", "militant", hate campagn, ' "gang" of bikers', and a statement that there have been illegal acts (as opposed to allegations of illegal activity), the gullible acceptance of the word "trial" when anyone with half an ounce of commonsense could see that after an investment of several hundreds of thousands of pounds the chances of such a "trial" continuing were considerable, and no mention of the other side of the case shows just how biased it was.
Why do you not commission Ms Barney to write about the real issues here. Why are motorcylists being so charged? Is it really for reducing congestion as stated on their website when I last looked at it? It rather defies commonsense does it not? Or is it to gain revenue - £2 million and rising now that the investment has been done?
It would not be so bad if there were actually enough places but there are not! I had to go past 5 full bays and walk 15 mins last time I went there.
Motorcylists are a hetergenious group ranging from academics to bricklayers and most are law-abiding nice persons always willing to help out or at least that has been my experience since 1963.
Why not come and meet us and write about us as you see us and help get this steath tax rescinded
Yours faithfully
CJD George (Dr.)

- Dr Christopher George, London, 19/03/2009 15:21
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I was going to go into one but everyone has covered everything already, so leaving me with only 2 comments:

1, When the charge was introduced I thought it was a good idea! I was told that there would be more spaces and could see an end to the over crowded bays (I already have to replace my petrol tank due to damage caused). Unfortunately, now being aware that the promise was, in fact, a lie I no longer support the idea.

2) I can't quite believe that the Council would make such a faux pas, expecting people to believe that all bike riders are somehow thuggish, leather draped loons. When in fact we are just "commuters" who choose to forego the "cattle carts"!

- Mike Martin, Kent, 19/03/2009 15:15
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This report sounds like it's from someone who is motorcycle-phobic (if there is such a word).

Some people hate spiders, or have an unreasonable fear of them. Some people have a fear of heights. Some people have a fear of either confined spaces, or of wide open spaces.

The person or people who have reported this from WCC appear to have a fear of motorcyclists. I don't know whether it is a fear of all motorcyclists, including Police bikers, Blood runners, Ambulance Paramedics, AA Patrol officers, commuters, Pizza delivery riders, racers, and Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman. Maybe the fear is just of "Hells Angles" but assume that all motorcyclists are these sort of bikers.

If any of the WCC Councillors or staff do have this type of fear, then it would be better for them to see a psychiatrist, rather than call in the Police to investigate their fear while go running to the papers to advertise this fear.

If on the other-hand there have been any threats and abuse, and we can't rule out that one or two individuals may have done so, then a quiet investigation is appropriate, but without bleating to the press thus tarnishing the whole anti-parking-charges campaign with that awful brush.

- Richard Clauson, W1, London and Reading, Berkshire, 19/03/2009 15:09
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Dear Katharine Barney - a one sided report published with little to no due diligence to find out what is actually going on. Still I guess sensation seeking stories sells newspapers and web advertising.

Words and phrases like militant, hate campaign, gangs of bikers, illegal acts, intimidation and harassment all serve to depict motorcycle riders as some sort of lower class trouble making citizen. Your ‘report’ does nothing to tell the story of the law abiding suit and tie wearing motorcycle commuter of suburbia. Why should it be inferred we’re some sort of ‘mob’ because we deplore an unjust taxation being imposed upon us?

Mr Chalkley and his cohorts it seems have spotted a monopolistic opportunity to extract a few more millions of pounds from the disposable income of a niche section of the motoring public, one that has a five fold less impact on road use than cars. Even government encourages using motorcycles but Westminster intends to manipulate this policy to its own financial advantage, ensuring its bloated city hall overheads continue to be handsomely rewarded.

Pity you don’t report properly on how the drive to be greener is wrung by vested interests and powerful monopolies both governmental and private and join the dots on what is really going on. Compare today and 5 years ago the average wage Vs the cost of a zone 6 off peak travel card - that will indicate why motorcycles are so popular and how it is Westminster can unfairly milk its privileged position.

- Graham Hall, Bromley, Kent UK, 19/03/2009 15:07
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Providing parking areas and charging motorised vehicles to park in London (or any city) is sensible and correct. Clearly in the absence of any such provision, vehicles would clog up road systems, congestion would increase, traffic flow would be impeded, and ultimately traffic would come to a complete standstill. Increasing numbers of vehicles means increasing parking areas - e.g. off street, multi-storey, underground, car park space share schemes, even destroy buildings for parking cars - just look at London!

In my humble opinion the ever increasing car parking disciplines imposed on motorists have generally improved traffic flow, and perhaps in turn reduced vehicular usage, especially private car use. Also, the congestion charge has tempered vehicle usage in central London. Albeit in different ways, and putting their unpopularity to one side, both have undoubtedly made real contributions to addressing London's traffic problems, to which end, both have been positive.

I fail to see what possible contribution can be derived by charging motorcyclists to park, indeed in contrast to all other parking initiatives, I believe this would be negative. I genuinely believe there is in fact an argument for an opposite initiative, in that Westminster ought make concessions to those wishing to use motorcycles, and thus make a positive contribution to addressing London's traffic problems.

I firmly believe Westminster Council have got this one very wrong indeed.

- Hector, London, 19/03/2009 15:05
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I think in a funny way Westminster council have played quite a good game with this tax.

Firstly, motorists can now feel as though they are not being singled out as motorcyclists are now being targeted. Something I am sure they are secretly quite happy about as yet another motor bike filters past them in another traffic Jam.

Secondly, £1.50 per day is still a bargain in comparison to public transport, or a car.

The point for me is that Westminster Council know that if the experiment gets made permenant paying this tax still represents the cheapest way to get into town, so bikers will just lump it and pay up every day.

This is why I am against this charge. As a commuter on my scooter I have no choice to move to another form of transport (I live too far from work to cycle) as I am currently using the cheapest and most conjestion-friendly option already.

With proper consultation this tax would never get passed, hence the bullying of the council.

- Harvey, London, 19/03/2009 15:03
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What is this about a "Gang of bikers". I was present at the peaceful demos and I strongly object to being labeled as being part of a "gang". I, like many bikers are hard working, law abiding and honest, and I object to the whole manner in which the charge has been introduced. Nothing less than abolishing this parking tax will do.

- Paolo, London, 19/03/2009 14:56
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It is sad to see a well known newspaper with such an attitude.
Yes publish the facts,, not one sided view

Imagine if all Riders decided to take their cars into Central London what mess would it be.

We go out in the rain, in the cold to get to our jobs, some life saving ones getting to accidents and transporting important documents and medicines on time and so on.
Yes, like in any group there are some people that may not be polite, but do not offend us with such views..

We have much to offer and I believe we can all co-exist in peace

- R Souza ( Roddas), London, 19/03/2009 14:53
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Great..just great. A group of a few hundred motorcyclists and scooter riders hold legitimate, legal, police-approved protests. NO-ONE is injured or threatened, the passers-by wave and cheer us (for finally standing up against yet another case of Rip Off Britain) and we're smeared with the name of "bully-boys".
Can Westminster Council sink any lower??

- Ogri, Highbury, 19/03/2009 14:49
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Oh, please...why, as soon as you voice your objection, are you accused of mounting a militant "hate campaign". I have followed this campaign, this is a legitimate campaign and a very well organised one at that. It is not the movies. Motorcyclists in London are not threatening gangs. They wear leathers, big boots and helmets for protection and tend to travel alone.

More to the point, these parking charges are NOT productive if London wants to reduce pollution and congestion. Motorbikes do just that, and the use of motorbikes in the centre of London should be encouraged, along with cyclists and the use of public transport - the three modes of transport that help to reduce congestion and pollution on London; making it a nicer place for everyone.

- Kim Van Dooren, London, 19/03/2009 14:46
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This is just an attempt by Westminster Council to stifle debate. I cannot fathom why they want to charge motorcycles to park, it makes no sense from a pollution/congestion point of view and I can't believe it would even be cost effective to collect the tax. Balance this against the Met's staggering admission that they've all but given up trying to detect motorcycle theft, and it seems that users of powered two wheelers are getting it in the neck from every direction.

- Alex Jackson, Bedford, Beds, UK, 19/03/2009 14:45
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The parking tax is in every way contrary to the policies of encouraging sustainable transport and reducing congestion in the city. Motorbikes and scooters do not cause congestion -FACT. This parking tax can instantly double (or more) the running costs of an economical scooter. That will damage the viability of this economical and considerate way of commuting into London. It's mad.

- Jaid Mindang, New Malden, Surrey, 19/03/2009 14:43
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Years ago, Westminster removed bike parking space in the first place, so they could replace them with more revenue-earning car spaces. As a result they effectively helped create the bike parking problem which they are now 'solving' with additional bike spaces (still far too few). HOwever, being addicted to revenue, which they need to fuel their endless waste and profligacy, these spaces need to be taxed. If the relationship between the revenue earned so far and the cost of designating the new bays, as described by others here, is correct, then the scheme is self-evidently nothing but a revenue scam, and offers extremely poor value for money.
I cannot comment on the allegations made by Cllr. Chalkley but having been present at one demonstration involving several hundred bikers outside the Council's offices last month which was entirely peaceful (and observed by police at the scene) I can only say that they describe a group of people totally unrepresentative of the vast majority of objectors to the Council's fee scheme. From my observations, most objectors, like me (I shall be 60 in a few months) come from all walks of life; they just happen to use motorbikes or scooters to get around, and do not see why they should be penalised for being part of the solution to London's traffic congestion.
It is encouraging to see that even some non-bikers here support our view.

- Henry, London, 19/03/2009 14:37
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1. How can WCC justify providing a disincentive to use powered two wheelers (PTWs) when they reduce congestion?
2. How is someone who has no credit card or mobile phone supposed to park?
3. Why is WCC not implementing secure parking - supposedly the justification for the scheme - as promised? (Some security bars have been fitted but they are of no use, and you are charging also for bays with no bars)?
4. Why should the charge be for a whole day or nothing? I often wish to park only for an hour or two.
5. What justification is there for a system that requires payment before finding a space which might not exist?
6. What reassurance are WCC able to give that the charge will not be increased at a rate greater than inflation?
7. What justification is there for raising about £6 million pa in charges, when the cost of extra spaces is only a few 100k?

Well, WCC?

- Simon C, London, UK, 19/03/2009 14:35
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I ride nearly every day, mostly in London, but middle of last year I had work outside the city. When I'd finished I came back to town - and got a ticket!!! I didn't even know about the change in Westminster. I spoke to a warden - "you should check the signs etc etc". Hang on a minute- bike parking has always been free, I didn't see any big publicity campaign and there were no obvious markings to the bays to indicate the change.

And you can only pay if you have a mobile phone and a bank account - and you get charged for the text! Not everyone has both these items. This method of payment falls outside the government guidelines that councils MUST make it easy to pay.

The council says there's been a huge increase (40%?) in bike commuters, but even with this bikes are still, by a country mile, a far smaller proportion of the overall traffic.

Oh and by the way Mr Westminster Council, have you recovered the money stolen by Dame Shirley Porter yet? Around £42 million wasn't it? Oh wait, you accepted an offer of £12 million didn't you? That's nice work if you can get it, eh?

Thieving councillors - never thought that would happen did we?

Everyone involved in demos and direct action - make sure you video and photograph everything, especially if the police are there. They are NOT allowed to prevent, let alone make you delete, any images or film of a public event.

- Rockit99, London, 19/03/2009 14:32
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This is one of the oldest tricks in the book when you are trying to defend the indefensible discredit those against you.
This is what Danny Chalkey has now resorted to; he has lost the battle on any sensible ground so he now resorts to a smear campaign.
I am not a “Biker’” in the derogatory way this article refers to all motorcyclists and like any one else who is a member of a minority I find this type of stereotyping extremely offensive. It is like any other sort of ISM, be that race, sex or age, it is just plain wrong.
I am a professional, tax-paying member of society and I fully support the campaign as it’s being run, wholly within the law. However if there are people who are committing these alleged offenses they should be prosecuted to the fully extent that the law allows. But this does take anything away from the legitimacy of the campaign it’s self, or the vast majority of the people associated with it, we are merely exercising our right to campaign again what we feel is a totally unjust and unprecedented Tax. Which at best is ill though out and at worst just plain profiteering at a time when most of us are struggling to make ends meet.

- Bernie Atkinson, London UK, 19/03/2009 14:31
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I’ve no idea if the allegations of ‘bully-boy’ and hate tactics for the campaign to abolish motorcycle parking taxes are true. I sincerely hope not – as this would harm the (our) efforts.

I (like the vast majority of bikers) am a ‘normal’, everyday, bloke. I ride my motorcycle to work most days and use it for fun at the weekends.

This tax is SO DANGEROUS!! Motorbikes / scooters / cycles etc should be encouraged and promoted NOT penalised and taxed.

The benefits of increasing the % of two wheel travel and decreasing four wheel travel are obvious to every sensible thinking person.

I do not live in Westminster – nor do I commute to Westminster on my bike, or even London for that matter!

However I will definitely be joining the ‘mega demo’ on 31st March – Trafalgar square to Westminster City Hall to protest this tax, as I like many motorcyclists realise that if this tax is ‘accepted’ it will spread like ‘wildfire’ throughout the country – and that CANNOT be allowed to happen

- Keith Warrington, St. Albans, England, 19/03/2009 14:30
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Please know that not all motorcyclist are the same, we do come from different backgrounds and jobs, many of us are hard working people who are trying to make a difference in their societies, familes and communities. The whole idea of the Motorcycle is to be environmently freindly, ease congestion and save money on fuel. If I have to pay parking then I might as well drive my car which is duel fuel so I do not pay congestion charges. The demonstartion is not about hate, it is about demorcasy, to show that we are against the charges and that is all.

- Tanas Alqassis, Oxford with often transport o London , UK, 19/03/2009 14:28
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Bullying? Really?

So WCC have lied about the fact they have consulted with motorcycle groups, they've lied about the charge paying for more motorcycle bays, they've become tongue-tied on BBC TV over the charge being 50p and you can only pay for it on a pre-registered mobile phone. Maybe i won't 'just pop into London' on my bike, maybe I'll get my huge Lexus 4x4 out!
If bullying is sending emails to WCC expressing my utter disgust then i am indeed a bully! To all the councilors that have agreed to support us, thank you.
Rather than taking all our bikes in one day, why don't all bikers take there cars it. Just think 0 bikes, 100% traffics jams.

- Richard, Hillingdon, 19/03/2009 14:26
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Article is badly mis-representing facts. Sad! The organisation opposing the Biker Stealth tax is very peaceful and exercising right for freedom of speech.
Go 2-wheelers, go!

- Ken Livingston, London, UK, 19/03/2009 14:25
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As a Westminster resident i already pay Council tax and object to paying on top just to park...it is such a no brainer that 2 wheels reduce congestion and should not be penalised... i am glad such a campaign against parking charges is gathering pace and i fully support it..I have attended 2 meetings (one when we entered the Council building in Victoria) and never saw once those "bullying antics" you report

- Jc, London, 19/03/2009 14:24
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This is nothing more than a stealth tax.

As a result of congestion charging, fuel costs and other economic reasons, many drivers, myself included, have opted to use a motorcycle rather than a car. Councils across the country recognise that motorcycles are part of the solution to congestion. Penalising a minority group who are trying to reduce their costs, as well as impact on the environment, is not acceptable.

The charge of £1.50 per day doesn't sound much but this could easily equate to 1-2% of salary. I believe that once this charging has been established in principle, it would soon be raised to £3, £5 or more per day. I am also concerned that once Westminster have set a precedent, other London boroughs and then other cities in the UK will follow this lead.

Westminster claims to have had to create new motorcycle parking bays. (Which, I suggest only confirms the success of congestion charging in reducing the number of cars coming into the borough.) According to figures provided by the Council in January the charges have raked in £2,272,000 in extra income - over seven times more than the [claimed] £302,000 cost of providing extra motorbike parking bays. (I suspect the vast majority of this cost is in creating the method and enforcement for paying!)

- Jon, UK, 19/03/2009 14:22
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Because, Paul, motorcyclists are not motorists, just like bicycists and pedestrians are not. The congestion charge and parking fees apply to cars because they occupy large amounts of parking space, clog the road with traffic and contribute significantly to pollution levels, all while often carrying just one driver. Scooters and motorbikes, by contrast, are light and fuel effcient (my scooter does 120 mpg), you can park 12 of them for every car space - and when was the last time you were held up in traffic by a motorbike? You'd think a responsible council would be encouraging motorcycists to use their green, inexpensive and effcient transport, thus relieving the pressure on the overcrowded buses and tubes, not discouraging it. You perhaps can be excused for being uninformed and unreflective, but they cannot.

- Bill Shields, London England, 19/03/2009 14:21
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Parking 6 to 8 bikes in a row takes up the space of one car. Wouldn't it be better to encourage motorcycle and scooter use in London to help unclog the city?

For many, driving a car into London has become too expensive and switching to two wheels seems an idle solution. Councils see this increase in motorcycles as a money making opportunity plain and simple. I give it 2 years before we're paying £3 a day or more...wait and see.

"Gangs of bikers"?? What a ridiculous way to sensationalize what is merely normal everyday people voicing an opinion.

- Mark Barimore, London, 19/03/2009 14:18
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Nothing to see here... move along folks. Just more PR rubbishing tactics by Westminster Council, trying to misguide the public on the actual issue on this parking 'fine'

- O Bana, London, N7, 19/03/2009 14:15
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Westminster council are nothing but slippery liars and in it for the money. If they spent the money they made on making the roads better, then it'd be ok - but the roads in Westminster are a disgrace with potholes everywhere and broken pavements. They are the ones harrassing innocent motorcyclists, who are trying to do the right thing. People have the right to complain and if not one stood up for their rights, people in authority would do as they please. I am a motorcyclist who has to pay £80 pounds to park in the borough of K&C where live (just under the price of a car residents parking while I take up a tenth of a car space) and another £150 pounds a year to park in Westminster where I work. That's £230 just to park a small motorcycle in London. I would take public transport but London tubes and buses have such an appalling service and are so slow that there is no alternative. I do cycle when the weather is good. Now Camden are implementing a £2 pound charge as well in their borough and I just feel this isn't justified. Soon all the London boroughs will follow suit and be on the bandwagon. The borough that don't charge motorcyclists like Hammersmith and Fulham and Wandsworth and let bikes park where they want in the street have far less problems. Bikes just slip on the end of bays or in between cars and its generally much less hassle. I suggest if you abolished bike bays altogether and just let bikes be,there would be more space for all road users.

- Camille Morris, London, 19/03/2009 14:15
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Whilst I normally support the Evening Standard and its Conservative stance, I do wish that you had printed a balanced article in this case, rather than the increasingly paranoic and hysterical rantings of Councillor Chalkley.
His disengenuous use of terms such as 'rogue motorcyclists' and 'hate-campaign' continue to smear a perfectly legitimate campaign against yet another discriminatory stealth tax by a law-abiding section of the community.
Less the 'gang of bikers' that you refer to (giving a false impression of outlaw bikers) this campaign involves motorcyclists from all walks of life, some with no greater objective than the unfairness and counter-productive nature of this tax.
The counter-campaign being waged by WCC has real Big Brother overtones: forcing closure of the campaign website and branding the movement as one of harrassment. It's about time someone stood up to the tax'n'fine culture fostered by the Socialist puppet masters masquerading as a Government and now, it seems, being copied by Tory councillors. We bikers may just have something to say on behalf of the rest of you...
For anyone interested in the truth and rationale of the Motorcycling campaign, please do a websearch for NoToBikeParkingFees.

- Gary, London, England, 19/03/2009 14:14
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The parking fees for motorbikes are an absurd tactic and completely contradictory to the campaign stimulating low emission means of transport to be used.

I am a student, my University is in Westminster Borough, I live in a Student Loan and part time work, and still have to pay for something that really makes the difference in the end of the month. We think that scooters and motorbikes are not the cause of the traffic problem in London, and the government should stimulate more their use instead of repressing it even more. Shall all bikers give up their transport and rely in an already too busy public transport system?
If there are any outsiders behaving inappropriately, doesn't mean that the whole bikers community should be blamed for it.

I support NO FOR BIKES PARKING FEES!!!

- Daniela, London, 19/03/2009 14:13
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I cant stand being the stereotype myself. It gets really boring after a while.

Motorcyle thug! Me? More like total IT geek with glasses who thinks two wheels is the logical way to get around London. I will probably be the least scary looking guy at the demo on the 31. Along with all the other completly normal average people who just happen to be motorcyclists having come to the same conclusion.

Mr. Chalkley has probably been a tad surprised by the strength of the campaign against the charge. My one encounter with the council and one that is still ongoing where I did pay the charge but still got a fine for being in the wrong location. All my attempts to bring this to their attention were ignored. They did acknowledge receipt of my parking payment. How can you fine someone for not paying the charge but acknowledge they did pay it? Daft.

This has been ignored in all my correspondence with them. It’s obvious it is just a money making racket. Not what is really good for the public and business in the Westminster borough.

Personally they are the bully boys in this, hiding behind their office and power. I refuse to go into the West End at all now for shopping and business. To much trouble and it is galling to have pay this daft charge (Stealth Tax).

- Brendan King, crouch end,london, 19/03/2009 14:12
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Forcing Motorcycle riders to pay for parking in Westminster is totally unjustified, Westminster are the only council I know of in the whole of Europe that charge for motorcycle parking. There are not enough bays either, what bays there are, are always full. Solution - allow bikes to park anywhere.

- Leslie Roberts, Maidstone, 19/03/2009 14:12
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It seems that the council are on the back foot and lashing out in the hope of smearing those involved in justified protest. We tend to accept many things with out protest, so those in authority have got used to getting their own way. Perhaps this is a sign for regular folk to engage more with politics, but of course we are all to busy trying to pay stealth TAXES. I have been a bike user for 30 years (not a biker)I use my bike to get round different jobs in London, I am part of the solution not the problem and think that this should be rewarded and encouraged no taxed. The fee in Westminster might be set at £1.50 but I paid £1.50 an hour near Victoria the other day so we all know where it is going.

- Richard Hollebon, Twickenham UK, 19/03/2009 14:07
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Westminster Council are guilty of deception in their underhanded and heavy handed implementation of this obvious money making scheme, inorder to boost their coffers.
I encourage everyone to use their democratic right to object to this scheme, and show their objections accordingly within the letter of the law. I think Danny Chalkley is starting to panic at the level of objections he has already received,and is carrying out a smear campaign against us motorcyclist to re-direct attention away from the major issue of this unfair scheme.
Lets stop wallowing in the apathy that has engulfed this country, and voice our objections loudly to this, and any other unfair stealth taxes that any Council or Government wishes to implement on us.

- Andy, Swanley, Kent, 19/03/2009 14:02
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I would like to see Westminster Council's accounts to show where the money they have made from this scheme has been spent. It certainly has not been spent on making parking facilities for bike users better.

Motorbikes and scooters offer an excellent mode of transport to commuters that does not cause congestion and produces low levels of CO2 per passenger. They should be encouraged to visit city centres as people (generally) = business activity or spending money = healthy economy.

Cars on the other hand are inefficient (often 1 person to one car with 4+ seats), polluting and heavy (causing damage to roads relative to motorcycles)and cause massive congestion problems. They should be discouraged from entering city centres. Using taxes such as parking charges and congestion charges is a great way to do that.

I could not do my job without the use of a bike as I rely on visiting clients all over London (including Westminster). Public Transport does not offer a service which is either quick, cheap or extensive enough for my needs. This charging system just makes my life that bit harder for no apparent gain. It is unnecessary and misplaced.

What happens when neighbouring boroughs start to copy Westminster? Does this mean eveytime I park I'll have to ring a different number and pay again for my parking for each area? It'll be a nightmare.

As for these accusations of bullying, I have no comment as I have not seen any solid evidence either.

- Chris Glaister, London, 19/03/2009 13:58
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What a joke. Westminster Council can't cope with the fact that people are against this tax and so say that they are being bullied. I have been on two of the protests against this scheme and for the first time in my life feel that my voice is being heard by our arrogant, political 'masters'.

- David G, London, 19/03/2009 13:50
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If you are a car driver, enjoy traffic jams, pollution and less places to park, then support Westminster Council in their intention to charge two wheel transport. If they charge, others will follow and charges will increase. That will make my car commute longer and more frustrating. If you were thinking of switching to two wheels...wait till the decision. If they go ahead, don't bother risking your life. Go buy a heavily depreciated SUV. You'll need something comfortable as those queues get bigger.

- James Maclachlan, london, 19/03/2009 13:49
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The only way to fight congestion in London is to introduce measures that ease traffic and stimulate people to use alternative methods than using the car. Public transport in London can barely cope and with eyes on the olympics, it will be interesting to see how the councils tackle this problem. One way would of course be to stimulate people to use a motorbike or a bicycle to come into town. It used to be on par with public transport to come into town on my motorbike, but the introduction of the parking charge has made it more expensive. I am sure that the council will aim to put up parking charges in the near future up to a point that people start going back to tubes and busses because of the cost.

If you need money, why don't you put up council tax charges in Mayfair and central london? They have the lowest level of charges in this part of town and people who live their should not really notice the difference.

- Niels, London, 19/03/2009 13:48
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Well, I needed to go to a meeting at the Royal College of Arts. I found a parking space, but discovered that - even though there were no extra security facilities than other boroughs' free parking, I was expected to psy. OK, but how? No mobile phone available for Westminster Council business and no credit card that I will trust them with details of. So I can't pay their charge.

Solution? Leave the space and ride to a neighbouring borough where I found a space with exactly the same facilities and no charge.

Long term solution? Patronise businesses in the neighbouring boroughs rather than those on Westminster.

Bottom line? Westminster City Council have lost revenue for their businesses that provide the lion's share of their income, just because a councillor decides to fly in the face of reason and impose an unjustifyable tax.

Oh, and I'd very much like to see some paid for spaces with properly offered payment options - since I have had a valuable bike stolen from a parking bay in Westminster. On that occasion the police treated me as the criminal when I tried to report it... So it really does annoy me when a councillor promises facilities on the one hand as a reason for a charge and then levies the charge without making any effort at all to provide the service that he says he's charging for.

None of it makes any sense, does it?

- Bob Aldridge, Greenford, Middlesex, UK, 19/03/2009 13:47
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I absolutely take offence at being called a "bully boy". I ride a motorbike to work for cost effective transport that gives me the freedom to work early and / or late when my job demands it.
I, like many others working in the City, are under job and cost pressure so by campaigning to help keep our costs down doesn’t make us militant yobs.

- Keith, Central London, 19/03/2009 13:46
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Out of principle, I have not shopped in the West End (Westminster) or met friends after work there since August when the parking fee commenced.

I would generally arrive around 6pm, so to be required to pay £1.50 flat rate to park (in a crowded bay where one's bike gets scratched) for the 30 minutes to 6.30 (incidentally why does the parking charge run to 6.30 when the congestion charge ends at 6?) is greed indeed on the part of Westminster.

The Westminster shops and restaurants are missing out on my spending - Westfield and Brent Cross offer free parking to motorbikes.

- Rose, Camden Town, London, 19/03/2009 13:44
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Many of the bikers I know are not greasy oiks but managers who've given up on public transport since they can never rely on getting to work or home on time. The bike parking charge. For a start you can only pay it by phone - if you forget, which is incredibly easy to do if like me, you go into the city irregularly - you end up paying a £40 fine. Westminster Council has taken more than £2m in fees already to say nothing of fines from bikers and have spent a measly 20 grand on improving bike parking. This is a ripoff. No wonder bikers are incensed.

- Dennis Greene, London, 19/03/2009 13:42
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I use a scooter to get into London as it's cheaper than using the trains, tubes and buses, this tax is making hard for some of us on low wage jobs to make a living in central London, this tax is sleazy in the way it was introduced and now sleazy in the way they try to smear legitimate dissent and protest, I used to be a Conservative voter, No longer. This makes me sick.

- Mike, London, 19/03/2009 13:42
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I think the next step for Westminster council will be the introduction of parking charges for push bikes. I mean, why not? They pay no taxes, it costs the council money to maintain the cycle parking areas and the police have to follow up on bikes being stolen. Clearly this is ridiculous, clearly it is ridiculous to charge for motorbikes too. bikes are cleaner and cause less congestion than cars. Biking of all types should be ENCOURAGED. Only being able to pay by mobile phone if you have pre-registered??? dead mobile battery? no parking. outside London and not aware of it? no parking. Everyone should be out on the 31st March to show their support

- Peter D, London, 19/03/2009 13:41
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We travel by motorbike - come rain or shine - because public transport is such a misery in London.
It's hard enough to work in this City without being penalised once again.
Please do not tax motorcyclists off the road.
We ease the burden on public transport while making it less unbearable to get two work.

- Angus Melville, Shepherd's Bush, London, 19/03/2009 13:39
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As per usual, PR Smearing tactics by the Council, ignoring the actual issue of the injustice of the whole fiasco.

- Nadeem, London, UK, 19/03/2009 13:39
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This is just another way to milk more money out of us. 50% of Westminster's massive parking revenue comes from 'enforcement' so you can bet the revenue will be double. This is just one of many stealth taxes that will spread like a cancer to every borough if we don't nip it in the bud.

If they genuinely want to reduce congestion and pollution, they should be uprooting a few parking meters and creating more free bike parking. You only have to see how full bike parks are to see how many car drivers are turning to 2 wheels. As it is, we are hard pressed to find a legal space...oh, but that allows them to issue a highly profitable PCN! Why would they want to prevent that and jeopardise the Port & Large Cigars Fund?!

- Bruce, London, 19/03/2009 13:36
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Stop all bikers that enter Westminster! These bikers are trying to reduce the CO2 emissions that I am diligently distributing by driving my 250 BHP 4x4 through Westminster. These naughty bikers are also reducing congestion which I love so much in my city. Stop bikers, charge them with fines, parking fines, riding taxes anything, maybe even let the air out of their tires when you see one! I want cars everywhere, the more the better, big cars with huge engines. No bikes!
Westminster Free-Masons unite to keep our borough bike-free!! (and by the way, all bikers smell!)

- High Up Free-Mason, London, UK, 19/03/2009 13:34
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This is the oldest trick in the book! Westminster make these claims to discredit us so that no more demos can take place.

We will carry on with peaceful, civil disobedience and never stop until this greedy money making farce is scrapped!

And Mr P Staker, your comment is comical? Why shouldn't bikes pay C-charge? Bikes ease congestion, not cause it!

- John Holland, United Kingdom, 19/03/2009 13:29
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Although I live quite a way outside of London, I have to commute into the city for work reasons. The trains are packed and expensive, the roads are clogged with cars, the buses a waste of time if you live 25 miles away. The solution, ride a motorbike, something that I have done for the last 20 years. Due to congestion many others were also encouraged to do so by TFL and the Government. All very well, but Westminster Council have viewed the increased amount of bikes and scooters as lost car parking revenue, so to make up the shortfall have taken the step to charge to park a bike. One of the reasons given for the charge, was added security, something that I have failed to notice at any Westminster bike parking bays, but have noticed in Camden, who incidently don't charge bikes to park. Call me a cynic, but I purely feel that Westminster have chosen to charge purely to obtain revenue from another untapped scource.

- A Disgruntled Professional, Not A Thug, Surrey, 19/03/2009 13:29
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The ES should be concentrating on the real story. This tax is wrong. All councils should encourage bikes to come into the City. Indeed our Mayor is wholly in favour of Motorbikes. They cause less pollution that cars, do not cause congestion you can park around 12 bikes in the same space that is used by a car.

- Andrew, London, 19/03/2009 13:28
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Do you remember when you could park your car for free around London on Sunday's at least? Then suddenly they changed the law and the places you used to park for free had these crazy restrictions which you could easily misread as a result you'd end up being fined? Well we didn't complain enough then and now were stuck with it. The same thing is happening to motorcyclists. Parking in Westminster was free and now they've suddenly changed it and we have to to pay. As if we don't have enough taxes to deal with. Motorcyclists are not the enemy nor are they the only ones sick of being taxed to death - we do however have enough gumption and motivation to make our voices heard and protest. This motorcycle tax is already spreading in some parts of Kensington & Chelsea - they already have motorcycle parking bays where you have to pay to park. Every council is jumping on the money making wagon from motorists.

- Selma, London, 19/03/2009 13:26
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"Bully - To use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone) and typically to force them to do something one wants"

That sounds exactly like what Westminster Council are doing to all law abiding motorcyclists by forcing us to pay a parking charge without any consultation.

If there are any 'threatening' people out there they certainly are in the VAST minority and do not represent the rest of us.

- Eugene, London, 19/03/2009 13:20
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No only are they trying to make motorcyclists pay but they are trying to abolish residents permits for motorcyclists at 85 pounds, to make us use these bays which are miles from our homes and unsafe.

Why should we be discriminated against?

- Dario, Westminster, London UK, 19/03/2009 13:17
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I work in soho and it is very convenient and much cheaper to bike in. You are classing all bikers as thugs rather than find the ones who supposedly committed these acts. The parking charge for bikes is ridiculous as they have low CO2 emmisions, they dont take up much space and they dont cause congestion. If you want to fine peopel fine all the massive 4x4 on the road that are driven by careles drivers who dont care about any other road user because they are in a big bad car

- M, London, 19/03/2009 13:17
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Motorcycles should not have to pay because we take up far less room than a car, and are already having to squeeze into far too few parking spaces. The more of us use bikes, the less congestion on the roads- that's the whole point of incentives like free parking, rather than having to pay over-the-odds for Westminster council to make money.
As for the hate campaign- I have heard nothing of this and know that the vast majority of people against this charge are law-abiding citizens just trying to get on with their lives, not the stereotypical 'bully-boys' the council would have others believe.

- Alison, London, 19/03/2009 13:16
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The parking charge cannot be justified - bikes are clearly part of the solution, not the problem - but the councillors who have introduced it have made a simple, cynical calculation: that those who pay the tax don't live in Westminster and can't therefore vote them out. No taxation without representation? If only.

- Julian, London, 19/03/2009 13:10
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Next thing we know they will be taxing us for walking on the pavement with the excuse that we are consuming the sidewalk!! I find it utterly ridiculous that while claiming to promote alternative means of transport from cars, they are taxing (and quite heavily!!) motorcycle users who consume less, congeste less and take up less parking space!! If this ever happened in Europe riots would break out....

- Davide, London, 19/03/2009 13:07
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sorry - precisely who is doing the bullying? sounds like the council as always.

- Jim, london, 19/03/2009 13:06
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Oh lets just go down the age old stereotype route that all motorcyclists are antisocial thugs to hide the fact that what Westminster council are doing is so wrong and goes against the general grain of what makes sense in this overpopulated city. If you go to any city in the world you will see motorbikes and scooters everywhere and they are allowed to park anywhere for free as it helps with traffic congestion, but no not in London.

You will find that the vast majority of people that are on 2 wheels are just normal everyday people trying to find a sensible alternative to traveling around London. I wish the Evening Standard would post stories about how wrong Westminster are to introduce this tax against motorcyclists and scooter riders.

I know longer come to Westminster to spend my money due to this tax and when I have to for work I still have to ride around for half an hour trying to find a space and when I eventually find a space I am worried about my bike being stolen and usually find its been scratched because everyone is so jammed in so what are we paying for? I believe they spent something like £23000 on painting a few more white lines and £200,000 implementing the telephone charging system and made the money back 8 times over in 6 months, as there argument is that we need money to create more spaces surely that should be the end of the charge as they have got their money back 8 times?
Don't you just love London?

- Luke, Surrey, UK, 19/03/2009 10:41
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How dare Westminster make such flimsy accusations. They are the "bully boys" with there discriminatory "Pay By Phone" system.

Back in late 50s parking fees for cars were introduced to "control demand", that was a transport initiative, this experimental bike charge is a money maker, pure and simple with no transport benefits!

- John, Eltham, London, 19/03/2009 10:38
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This method of payment for parking services also goes against Dept. of Transport - Operational Guidance to Local Authorities: Parking Policy and Enforcement: Traffic Management Act 2004:

"It is important that authorities do not introduce a system that inadvertently discriminates against some sections of the population. The system should allow motorists to pay by whatever method is most convenient to them, including: cash; cheques sent by post with out a cheque guarantee card; cheque supported by a cheque guarantee card at a payments centre; Sterling travellers' cheque; and debit or credit card in person, by phone or via internet"

It is also unfair to get people to pre-register with the scheme and store their details on computer system not even in the UK.

- Harry, Greenwich, London, 19/03/2009 10:37
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Westminster's money-grabbing practices will be rolled out across London if they get away with this stealth tax. Everyone should be demonstrating against it. I wouldn't be able to be proud of myself if I was the guy who introduced this tax. Inch by inch, taxes grow and eat into everyones' pockets. This should be opposed on principle, whether you are a biker or not; do you enjoy paying for parking?

- Ed, London, 19/03/2009 10:29
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Have we returned to the 60's 'Greasy biker mob sets on quiet seaside resort? No, even then a small group of weekend thugs did not on the whole represent the masses. There are many forms of motorcycle user not just the 1%'ers that any governing or enforcement body likes to use when describing the whole motorcycle world. Bikes have been an easy target for groups over the years making it able to lump large amounts of people in to one general group and discriminate against them, with the added bonus of having a historical 'barbarian character' to fall back on when resistance comes up against this discrimination hence the forming of the BMF and other action groups to defend the civil rights of this readily generalized group. If a small group decides to proactively protest an action should the wider group be punished or should this be ignored and the actual issue be discussed in the press? It is very common when a group that is in the wrong (westminster) spins the media in a dirty tactics campaign to get the actual reported story away from what is actually happening, more common in countries like mexico for example but very must alive in the home soil of england. Small personal vehicles are the way forward for cramped areas like westminster but instead of encouraging this they actually are setting about penalizing the few to discourage the many. Another shadow tax, another wealthy businessman disguised as a public servant (not master). YOU MUST LISTEN !

- Jim Philpott, london, 19/03/2009 10:22
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It is absurd to suggest that the campaign group against the parking tax have dabbled in harassment and illegal activities, any information posted on the website is already publicly available and all our protestations are peaceful, Councillor Chalkey is trying to depict the group violent, threatening anarchists, it is a smear that couldn't be further from the truth.
The group represents and has within its numbers people from all walks of life who are effected by this unfair stealth tax, a tax which was introduced in a secretive and clandestine manner by Westminster Council, going against all guidance from central government and their own party. A tax which is unfairly biased against those without a mobile phone or credit card, a tax which is not offering a better service, a tax which is simply an additional revenue source for a council which already has one of the richest revenue streams in the country.
All two wheelers form part of the solution to congestion in London, hundreds and thousands are spent on making life safer and easier for cyclists, but not one penny on motorcyclists.
We must oppose this tax because it is unfair, it will increase, and it will spread across the country, we must oppose this tax because it is being introduced by a man who sits in an ivory tower who is unreasonable and is allowing his pride to get in the way of common sense.

- Richard Hunwick, London, 19/03/2009 10:10
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This Westminster charging scheme goes against everything that every sensible borough and party is trying to achieve - i.e. to get people out of cars an onto greener, less congestion creating forms of public transport such as bikes, scooter, motorcycles and public transport.

It is clearly merely a revenue raising scheme and, as such, a stealth tax which is no wonder the Tory party have disowned Westminster.

I hope the demonstration is a success and forces Westminster to change it's mind on this scheme.

And I would also point out that despite supporting this campaign to make Westminster see sense, I am genuinely impartial in my judgment, as I can't even ride a bike!!!

- Stuart Faulkner, Islington, London, 19/03/2009 09:54
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What Westminster are trying to do is utterly scandalous. Not only are they charging for a useless 'service' and not provided ANY additional spaces and benefits, they are now trying to label ALL motorcyclist as greasy thugs!

Lawyers, doctors, traders and honest people for all kinds of backgrounds are now uniting to stop this charge - even people who do not own or ride a motorcycle are joining the campaign against this ridiculous charge. Surely this speaks for itself.

First the encourage 'greener' alternative to getting into London and reduce congestion, and now they want to penalise the very same people....

On the cost side, a resident's CAR permit costs the same if not less than a tiny, cramped motocycle bay....This is pure greed from Westminster.

Well done Conservative party.....

- Angelo, London, 19/03/2009 09:31
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The whole parking scheme is a joke, if I want the cheapest amount for parking then I have to pay for a year in advance yet if there's no space in the bays then it's tough. So what am I paying my money for? The bays don't really seem to have increased that much. I think it's a rip off and a blatant stealth tax. Motorcycles and scooters are a good answer to this city's travel problems not to mention the enviromental issues but we are being penalised!!!!!!!!

- Stuart, London, UK, 19/03/2009 08:29
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Gang of Bikers??????? I was there and it was 500 peaceful citizens protesting about yet another stealth tax. Both the Conservative Party and the Labour Party have said they do not want Westminster's parking tax to be taken up by any other councils.

What Westminster are doing is unilateral and against the wishes of political parties. The police were present at the protests and have not had any problems with the way we acted. This way of slandering a persons right to protest is bully boy tactics and will not prevail. I live in Westminster and because of this I have to pay parking tax that no other person in the UK needs to do. This is unfair.

We need to encourage Motorbikes, our cities cannot cope with the amount of cars they have and Motorbikes are helping congestion.

- Marc Hawker, United Kingdom, 19/03/2009 08:27
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This attempt to tarnish a set of peaceful protests is disgraceful. However I feel it's the retialers of Westminster who should be protesting. At a time like this they can ill afford to put off people coming into the area. I for one am happy to go to Westfield where the parking is free for motorcycles.

- Andrew, London, 19/03/2009 08:26
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I am not actually a motorcycle rider, but I do think there is a major injustice, here. Westminster introduced the parking charge for motorcycles, saying they were increasing the number of parking spaces, and that it was reasonable that motorcyclists should make a SMALL contribution to the costs. However, when you consider that the actual cost of increasing the parking spaces was just £23K, yet, the charging system has netted the Council around £2.5 MILLION, and rising every day, then something is rotten in the State of Westminster! Add to that that the mechanics and policing of the charging system of around £300K is effectively money thrown away by the Council, althought really it can be seen for what it is, a simple money-raising scheme. That £2.5 MILLION taken off the motorcyclists is also money that can therefore NOT go to the hard-pressed retailers of Westminster.

Also, remember there are advantages to car drivers of encouraging motorcycles, such as less congestion and it is (was) still an option for those who cannot afford to pay so much, also meaning that the option would remain open to existing car drivers to switch to a cheaper form of travel in the future! Remember that when it is too expensive to use the public transport or the car!

- Unpowered Two Wheeler, Westminster, London, 19/03/2009 08:18
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I regularly come up to London on Business and I chose to travel by motorcycle. In doing so, I don't cause congestion, and I take up far less space than a car, plus can use spaces that a car simply cannot get into.

The 'militant hate campaign' here is being waged by the council, and particularly by Councillor Chalkley. Firstly the council lied to bikers, councillors and the public in order to get this 'experiment' (read dishonest but lucrative cash grab) going, and are still lying to keep it going. Lying about the scheme, lying about consultation, lying about the 'experimental' nature of it, and now lying about and smearing the people campaigning against it.

Anyway, neither the council nor traders in Westminster will be getting any of my money now, since I will avoid visiting the place as far as possible for as long as this despicable and dishonest scheme persists. I doubt I'm alone in this. And remember, if you are not a biker, when Councillor Chalkley decides to magic up a new unfair and illogical tax on something that you do do, this is the kind of 'democratic process' that you have to look forward to!

- Ken Haylock, Carmarthen, UK, 19/03/2009 08:12
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Funny that he should mention the fact that home addresses of council officers were published on www.notobikeparkingfees.com when those officers chose to publish their own details on other web sites. It seems they are happy to be public figures when asking for votes but not when someone objects to their policies.

As for harassment - apparently it's 'harassment' when you take the time to write to a Westminster official and demand a written response.

This article doesnt mention the fact that in order to get this tax trial approved by WCC, Danny Chalkley promised £900k improvements in motorbike parking facilities and that the tax was to cover the costs. In reality WCC have only spent £23k and have collected £2.4 MILLION in penalty charges.

£1.50 a day doesn't sound like much, but as we all know the real money comes from issuing the parking fines to bikers who frequently are unaware of the charges (due to the fact that Westminster has done very little to make bikers aware that they need to pay if the cross the invisible Westminster boundary.

- Kieron, London, 19/03/2009 07:36
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Appears that WCC are on a campaign to discredit motorcyclists in London to ensure they get thier own way in charging for parking for bikes in London. Another money grabbing way to make more money. How can London motorcyclists by a danger, when most of us are Law Abiding citizens.

- Gab2511, warwickshire, 19/03/2009 06:52
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this is yet another stealth tax targeting a minority.
Westminster retailers and businesses are the real loosers again. shoppers are abandonning the west end.
Why is westminster the only city in the world to treat scooters and bikers this way ? As a biker, I feel bullied by this council.
I am very disapointed at this tax and will never vote conservative again if this tax is not abolished.

- Thierry, Balham, London, 19/03/2009 00:44
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The day Westminster introduces a law which forces car drivers to open their windows and turn their heaters off in all weathers is the day it might be time to start a dialog about charging bikes to park.

Cars and bikes are different forms of transport as are cycles and buses. There is no *logical* reason to introduce these charges and perhaps it is time to ask if car drivers should still be paying parking fees. After all, I drive a car as well at the weekends.

With regards to the allegations made by a Westminster councilor, campaigners against the charges reacted immediately to condemn any illegal actions and removed all offending materials as soon as they were made aware of them.

Westminster's legal department have assured them in writing the matter is closed. It is only one councilor, who has lost all credibility because of his support for this scheme, who is trying to discredit a group of citizens exercising their right to protest against it.

www.31st-March.com

- John Speller, London, UK, 19/03/2009 00:00
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No new bike bays have been introduced. It's impossible to park in Westminster, and now we have to pay for the priviledge. Would you be happy paying for a service you are not receiving?

- Oliver, London, 18/03/2009 23:58
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People in power are now starting to realise that motorcycles and scooters are part of the solution to congestion in major cities as they take less room than cars and use less fuel. Even "red ken" livingstone realised this and gave us the exemption to the congestion charge, and Boris Johnson equally recognised this by opening up the bus lanes to us. Since these measures have been put in place, I have not once driven a car into London as it makes much more sense to use a motorcycle, no way could I afford the congestion charge and the price of parking a car. Unfortunatly, it would be impossible to use my bicycle for a journey into London due to the distance which would effect my chronic Asthma, and public transport is overcrowded and too expensive for my relatively modest income. The £1.50 a day charge is a stealth tax on people with lower incomes.

I often hear the "but you're a motorised vehicle like a car" arguement, but I pay tax on the fuel, the insurance and the road fund licence for my motorcycle, but I don't pay any taxes for my bicycle, yet I can park that for free. Surely Westminster council should recognise that motorcycles & scooters are equal to bicycles and if they can provide bicycle parking for free, why not for motorcycles?

I fully support any legal protest on this issue, Westminster Council are trying to stop legitimate protest, we live in a democracy, not a communist state

- David Hogg, Hemel Hempstead, 18/03/2009 23:44
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The council have admitted in writing that the main motivation for the scheme is to raise money. Motorcyclists are an easy target. Yet, the main result of this new tax will be to discourage people from commuting by bike/scooter. Just at a time when Londoners needs all the transport choices they can get.

The accustations made by Westminster, and councillor Chalkley about a "hate campaign" are laughable when you look at the evidence, and hardly worth spending time over.

The main concern is that an elected body would behave in such a petty and absurd manner, by making such rash and unfounded accusations, and attempting to stifle debate and protest in this manner.

http://forum.notobikeparkingfees.com/
http://www.notobikeparkingfees.com/

*** 31st March *** - major demo, to make Westminster wake up and realize it's really not worth the bother.

- Paddy, London, UK, 18/03/2009 23:37
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The intimidation comes from a Council which is trying to stop us from expressing ourselves in the streets of London and in Oxford Street shops; which claims that it has consulted all biker's association before introducing bike parking charging, which can't see that bikes are the solution for London's commuting and can't hide the money business it has created with bike parking revenue of over 1 million pounds when in actual fact managing bikes costs £23,000 for white paint strips on the streets...

- David Hingamp, London, 18/03/2009 23:18
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This is a clever one by Mr Chalkley and team (Evening Standard).

First, make out that London's bikers are nothing more than a bunch of bullying meat heads that 'the decent public' should not listen to, then at the same time deviate away from the real subject matter.

Oldest one in the book!

Hopefully, the Police, the Public, and even the decent council members left among them will see through this codswallop.

Motorcycles are the best way of a congestion free London, and must be encouraged. They should not become just another thing for the council to levy a dishonourable tax on.

Londoners get taxed barbarically as it is, which of course, is mostly down to Britain's apathetic public. This kind of thing would not happen in France Im sure.

If the public and the press actually knew the facts - yes THE FACTS - then they would not be so impressed with this council and it's members.

- Robert, London, 18/03/2009 22:27
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Running both a car an 2 bikes I pay 3 sets of road tax, 2 types of insurance and more likely to get hurt or killed while using my bike then I am when blocking roads up with my car.

Point of free parking for a bike is it small, and can be kept out of the way. Free parking is an incentive to travel by a lower congestion method.

Using a bike is a choice we make, same as you can decide to use a big 4x4 for the school run, but don't act surprised when the smaller forms of transport are cheaper, get there quicker, cost less to run, take up less space and get the free parking but the smaller you go the more risk you take.

Don't know what you views of bikers are, but myself, I run a business, drive a car, raise money for charity, look after foster babies and care about my community. Why would anyone think I'm a thug anymore then the driver in the next car just because I put on my biker gear designed to save my life when a motorist goes opps, sorry, did I just pull out of that side road without looking.

You can muddy the water with a bike did this or that, but its the same for anything group, a select few out of a large group get highlighted, usually not even regarded as part of the group or supported by that group.

- Mark Ely, Hertfordshire, 18/03/2009 22:12
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Just you wait an see what the Met Police find - Nothing - This is a maneuver by Danny Chalkley to discredit his opposition because he knows his policy is nothing more than a tax against the vulnerable. This is against Tory party policy but devolved councils will do what they want.

- Nigel, London, 18/03/2009 22:08
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All of the arguments and claims Westminsted Council have issued in teh press or TV were either spin or blatant lies.
They claimed they 'extensively consulted' with BMF (British Motorcycle Federation) and MAG (MotorCycle Action Group) when no such thing happened. They claimed on national TV that daily charge is actually 50 pence, which is another spin. How can you believe anything they say at all? Read more on http://www.notobikeparkingfees.com/ and get the other side of the story. Cyclists beware...you are next to be targeted!

- Gordan Bijelic, London, England, 18/03/2009 21:52
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as i see it, it is the WCC and the police use bully tacktics to shut up a legitimate protest. disgusting!

- Tim, lee, 18/03/2009 21:40
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The allegation that Westminster Council is conducting a 'Hate Campaign' against law-abiding motorcycle and scooter commuters, who bring much needed revenue in to Westminster on a daily basis, is a rumour.

Or is it?

There is absolutely no truth in the allegation that Cllr Danny Chalkley's role as a Councillor is at risk as a result of his ill-advised campaign against Powered Two Wheeled vehicles in Westminster.

Or is there?

The suggestion the Cllr Danny Chalkley has been invited to reconsider his position on Westminster Council is strenuously denied.

Or has he?

There is no truth whatsoever in the assertion that Cllr Danny Chalkley has been ostracised by his fellow Councillors.

Or has he?

The outrageous sugegstion that the Conservative Party are using the Westminster bike parking tax as a pilot scheme prior to a national roll-out does not even deserve a comment.

Or does it?

You decide.

- Stephen Wilkinson-Carr, Gillingham, Kent, 18/03/2009 21:31
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im no where near london, but i'm shocked by this new tax. Bikes are helping to cut down on the congestion in london, and dont exactly take up teh same room or cause as much polution as most cars you will see in london.

Also i would like to say well said to madmax, would people please think before blaming a bike. The car driver could be drunk, stonner or blind and still the bike hit would be to blame. Try looking out for bikes a bit more.

Also this hate campaign is just a shocking attempt at avoiding the fact its a terrible idea.. people voice there opinion, and it clashes with yours, so its a hate campaign?

At the end of the day teh government will jsut avoid the issue, and yet again ignore the voice of motorcyclists across the country. They dont lsiten because they dotn want to hear it, but its about time they did.

No to this tax. Maybe they will listen this time... yeh thats goign to happen. And hopefully an end to this bias and negative attitude towards bikers.

- Stevie, dumfries, scotland, 18/03/2009 21:29
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Parking in westminster requires having 1.a mobile phone 2. a bank account. This is what not all the people have. One day I had an important work interview in Westminster area, as soon as I parked I realized I had left my mobile at home. It was too late to go back home and take it, (I live in Streatham). I knew I was going to receive a ticket because of this. I had money in my pocket, but didn't have my phone with me. The system doesn't work, that's the reason why it needs to be taken off. Even borrowing somebody's phone you are not able to pay.
I think the council should find other ways to find finances.

- Don G., London, UK, 18/03/2009 21:28
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I'm a motorcyclist and even though i'm against parking charges for motorbikes and scooters, if I have to pay £1.50 a day for parking in the City of Westminister, why do these bureaucratic morons have to make it so difficult to pay? Why just by mobile phone? Why can't I put £1.50 change in the meter and display a ticket on my windshield? Which way is horizontal when climbing Kilimanjaro??

- Daveyboy, London,UK, 18/03/2009 21:25
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motorbikes are the cheapest, quickest and most conveniant way to get around London's already busy roads without having to rely on overcrowded, unreliable and expensive public transport system. This is purely a money-making scheme for a council who do not need the money, pure greed.
All London motorcyclists need to back the 'no to bike parking tax' campaign, or the trial will end with the decision to carry on charging. United, bikers can make a stand against it.

- Big Al, Brixton, 18/03/2009 21:21
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I'm not generally one of those sad people that post comments on articles, etc. (sorry to those who do) but this article is totally over the top.

I have taken part in this very worthwhile campaign and there have been no signs or encouragement of harassment. It's a well organised, safe and legal campaign - the only problem of it being its challenge to Westminster Council.

I hope the bikers of London succeed in achieving justice.

- Theapiarist, London, 18/03/2009 21:15
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this is a simple money raising scheme. for hard pushed commuters a scooter is a viable option to the train , but if you throw in an extra £30 a month,to park + the need to pay by phone, this leaves the hard pushed and money strapped London worker out of pocket, how is this going to get us out of the money crisis,..... or is it that Westminster have to snatch back the 16 million they lost in dubious Icelandic money deals
as for calling off the demos ? i thought this was a free society,? remember the way Westminster are using tax payers money to get lawyers to stamp on the voice of dissent .... and be worried ... the petty bureaucrats want to shut the people up ... and we all know where that can lead !!!

- Paul, kingston, 18/03/2009 18:46
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"All other motorists have to pay and they should to"

Hmmm..so if a bully at you kid's school was beating up other kids you'd demand that he beat up yours?

16,000 people commute by motorbike or scooter into Westminster every day, is it better to encourage these people or hit them with parking fees so they decide to use cars and public transport instead? Maybe you think there's not enough cars n the road already or that the tube trains and buses need more people on them.

- Chris Webb, london, 18/03/2009 18:26
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Motorcyclists a danger ? Sure mate, whatever !
You on your mobile forgetting to indicate is a danger to us, now get some perspective.

- Madmax, London, UK, 18/03/2009 17:25
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Quote: - Paul Carter, London

I never knew that motorcyclists didn't have to pay to park. What's going on there? Why the special treatment? All other motorists have to pay and they should to.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The idea of free parking Peter; is to reduce traffic volume and traffic jams, by encouraging people to use motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles instead of cars etc.

Most local authorities know that you can park two wheeled vehicles off the road; and outside normal parking rules and regulations etc. It made good common sense a few years ago; but that sense has turned into a good common money making idea etc.

Westminster Council as you know are one of those special London councils that do not have to comply with normal government parking regulations on many points etc; as they are considered a special case etc.

For instance: you cannot get a blue badge parking permit like with most other councils in the UK; they give you their own white permit etc; but if you are granted a white permit; then you will get a blue one free etc; like in Tesco’s two for the price of one; but normally only if you are not an invalid; but a free mason or a good friend. Long story Peter.

- Mickyinlondon, london, 18/03/2009 16:09
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The CONGESTION zone is just that, to reduce congestion. A minimum of 4 bikes take up the same area of road as 1 car, hence bikes were exempt from the CONGESTION charge.
parking for motorbikes ahs always been free in london, why? Cos we are forced to park in too small bays that are not neccisarliy near to where we want to be, unlike cars that have parking available on almost every road. yes i know finding a space is never guaranteed but trust me that its the same in most bike bays.
So tell me again why we who use less congesting transport and park taking up far less space should start contributing to a tax that we were always expemt from when nothing about our vehicles has changed?

- Sickof This Nonsense, london, uk, 18/03/2009 14:47
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Hell hath no fury like an Angel spurned! Motor cyclists are a danger to the rest of road users and pedestrians.

- Dhanraj, basildon, 18/03/2009 14:20
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Paul Carte and P Stalker - we shouldn't have to pay because we cause zero congestion, pollute far less and take up 1/6th of the average car space (less if its a 4x4).

If you take away the little benefits such as this then why would we bother risking life and limb riding amoungst ignorant fools like yourself in order to get to work? And I havent mentioned the rain, wind and cold that we put up with that car drivers dont have to contend with.

Basically do you want us to switch to cars and congest the roads even more plus take all the remaining car parking spaces everywhere? Because things are really bad as they are now if you didnt already know.

- Jason, London, 18/03/2009 14:00
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If harrying the local autorities within the law were carried out then I could agree. One should not condone their illegal actions but London should unite in any legal action against fund-raising, over-taxing, money-grabbing and pension-indulgent local autorities.

If the do not live within their means like the rest of us, then the funds flow should stop

- Janet, London, 18/03/2009 13:27
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Well I guess motor cyclists should join the rest of Westminsters wealthy 4X4 owners; and clogg the streets with those tanks instead.

Westminster are good at hitting the less wealthy; it won't be long before they are introduce charges on childrens X boxes.

If you want equality in Westminster; you need to be a free-mason.

- Mickyinlondon, london, 18/03/2009 12:41
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And so the backlash begins.

- Jimbob, Kensington, 18/03/2009 10:48
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Good for Westminster Council, why should motorbikes be exempt from the C Charge, and expect free parking as well ?

- P Staker, London, 18/03/2009 10:14
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It's good to hear that these useless jobsworths are made to suffer. How can a motorcycle clog up roads or causes congestions ? This is all about making money any way they can !

- Joe, Swanley Kent, 18/03/2009 09:57
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I never knew that motorcylists didn't have to pay to park. What's going on there? Why the special treatment? All other motorists have to pay and they should to.

- Paul Carter, London, 18/03/2009 09:56
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