"
Removing the charge altogether is not considered appropriate," according to a scrutiny committee report for Westminster City Council regarding its six-month parking-charge scheme.
But London motorcyclists have one last chance to say "
No" to Westminster City Council's controversial parking-charge scheme, campaigners say.
The deadline for objections is Friday July 3 – though motorcyclists in the capital will have a chance to register their opinions in person on the last go-slow protest ride on Wednesday July 1.
Pressure group
No To Bike Parking Fees (NTBPF) says:
"This is a dangerous piece of anti-rider legislation which would, if allowed to be introduced fully, soon be copied by other councils throughout the UK and beyond".
Charles Lort-Phillips, a spokesman for the campaign, said:
"We hope this will be the last protest, but it seems pretty likely that [Westminster Councillor Danny] Chalkley wants to ram this through. The council wants to be seen on paper to have carried out a consultation".
"People aren't concerned about the level of the charge; it's the principle," Lort-Phillips added.
Revenue higher than expected
The Council's report (released on March 31 2009 and downloadable
here), acknowledges that the scheme has brought in more revenue that it expected.
In total, £1,030,223 in parking-charge revenue has been generated since August 4 2008. Westminster Council gave LondonBikers a breakdown of where this has been spent on motorcycle-specific matters.
"Up to 31 March 2009, the City Council had spent £6,714 in the extension of off-street bays in car parks, £224,438 on survey work and the extension of on-street parking places, £100,653 on Traffic Management Orders, £55,630 on the installation of security devices and £13,600 on Communications," according to a spokesperson.
"The council has made a commitment to reinvest all revenue from motorcycle parking back into transport projects, but there has been no set figure given for the amount that would go specifically into motorcycle-specific matters," the Council added.
There are concerns among the motorcycling public that Westminster Council is not doing enough to provide adequate security for bikes in its bays – something the money raised from the charge was supposed to be spent on.
According to the report: "
To date a total of 99 devices have been installed; 45 Sheffield Stands and 44 ground anchors. Usage of the Sheffield Stands has consistently remained low (at around 5%). However, usage of ground anchors has slowly been increasing and the most recent survey of these devices shows a usage rate of just under 25%."
Council 'will listen'
But motorcyclists will have a chance to shape the scheme, should it go ahead.
The report says that "
Feedback on devices available and their suitability is being actively encouraged", and that there are plans to establish a regular forum for Council representatives to meet with motorcyclists to discuss the provision of new parking locations and security concerns, as well as discounts for residents and possible alternatives to using credit and debit cards to pay the charge.
Westminster Council also says that it is installing equipment to prevent cars parking illegally in motorcycle spaces, and that it has been approached by a company keen to trial electromagnetic security devices.
The scrutiny committee report, as well as objections and issues raised, will be passed to Councillor Chalkley, who will make the final decision around mid August 2009.
The protest ride will convene at Golden Square between 5.45 and 6.20pm on Wednesday July 1, finishing at Westminster City Hall at 7pm.If you wish to object online, details can be found on Westminster City Council's website,
here.
