HAVE YOUR SAY: THE BIKE PARKING TAX

By Keep Britain Biking • 1st August 2011 • 14 views

Here at Keep Britain Biking we’ve little doubt that, as faithful followers of development in the biking world, you will have heard and maybe even got involved in the fight against the parking taxes forced upon motorcyclists in London’s city centre.

These costs were imposed without warning or discussion as to whether they were the right move for the community. As the campaign group leading the charge, No To The Bike Parking Tax, prepares to take the fight to the European courts, we want to hear your thoughts.

This 3 year struggle has seen bikers from all walks of life come together as a force to be reckoned with. The challenge is to prevent the tax imposed upon London’s city centre by Westminster Council from becoming a permanent fixture – however if the council succeed the scheme may be rolled out across the country!

The move to challenge the UK justice system is bold, but we, and the thousands of motorcyclists who have fought tirelessly to prevent this unjust and costly tax , think that it’s vital. In a blinded attempt to gain financially, motorcycles are being treated as cars. This is despite the obvious benefits of lowered congestion, pollution and reduced traffic, huh…

William Hughes, Managing Director of Devitt Insurance Services , specialists in motorcycle insurance for over 75 years, has pledged the support of his company. He spoke out about the tax during recent protests against the parking tax:

“It is very frustrating that bikers are being penalised for using a greener mode of transport, in an already congested city. And you can’t help thinking where will it stop? Will other cities look to introduce it if the scheme is made permanent?”

So this is where you come in! We want to know your thoughts on the tax, whether you’ve got involved in the fight and what you think should or could be done next.