Bikertec
08-04-2005, 11:49
I hope its ok to put this here I think all Bikers should see it........
Please Put this info as is into any sites you visit or onto any Biker Sites that will allow you to...
Info received from a MAG Rep.....
Charging bikes for congestion charge - 'scandalous'
The idea that motorcyclists and scooter riders may soon have to pay the congestion charge is 'scandalous', Conservatives on the London Assembly say. It also represents a serious u-turn for the Mayor and his transport authority, Transport for London, which declared in 2004: "The encouragement of more sustainable and less congesting modes of travel across Greater London is key to the delivery of the Mayor's Transport Strategy." Bikes clearly cause far less congestion than cars.
The reports, in today's Evening Standard, also say TfL's motive for charging bikers would be to reduce accidents in central London. They claim forcing existing users to reconsider because of the daily £5, soon to be £8, fee is needed in order to meet government accident rate targets. Conservatives say this is all about revenue raising and little to do with accidents. Charging bikers would raise £750,000 a week for TfL. In the first year of charging, accidents involving bikers decreased by eight percent despite ridership increasing 20%.
Roger Evans, Conservative Transport spokesman said:
"This is not about safety, it's about money - again. As usual the mayor is trying to get his greedy-paws on Londoners money and as usual it involves him breaking past promises.
The pretence of using charges as a method of reducing accidents is also absurd. It is a bear-faced attempt to cover up a blatant revenue raising exercise. If pedestrian accidents don't meet targets - are we going to start charging them too? There are far more effective ways to reduce accidents such as public awareness campaigns."
When the charge was introduced, bikes were sensibly given an exemption because they don't cause much congestion. Many people therefore invested in motorbikes and scooters. Now, thanks to the Mayor, they face the prospect of charging. These plans are scandalous."
For more info contact: Simon Bishop 020 7983 4960
Notes to Editors:
In a report to the Mayor in July 2004, Transport for London, declared: "The encouragement of more sustainable and less congesting modes of travel across Greater London is key to the delivery of the Mayor's Transport Strategy."
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/downloads/pdf/congestion-charging/b-02-suggested-alternatives-final-22-07-04.pdf
The Mayor's own Transport Strategy states:
"Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters can offer a quick, relatively low cost private transport and are more space and fuel efficient than cars..." p201 Para. 4G.25
If you wish to vote on this issue the link is at http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/haveyoursay/polls/?itemId=17475357 pass this out to everybody.
Click No if you don't want to be charged for riding in London
IMO WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERMENT TAX US FOR THE AIR WE BREATHE AND HAVE DONE WITH IT.:suspect: :loopy: :mad:
Please Put this info as is into any sites you visit or onto any Biker Sites that will allow you to...
Info received from a MAG Rep.....
Charging bikes for congestion charge - 'scandalous'
The idea that motorcyclists and scooter riders may soon have to pay the congestion charge is 'scandalous', Conservatives on the London Assembly say. It also represents a serious u-turn for the Mayor and his transport authority, Transport for London, which declared in 2004: "The encouragement of more sustainable and less congesting modes of travel across Greater London is key to the delivery of the Mayor's Transport Strategy." Bikes clearly cause far less congestion than cars.
The reports, in today's Evening Standard, also say TfL's motive for charging bikers would be to reduce accidents in central London. They claim forcing existing users to reconsider because of the daily £5, soon to be £8, fee is needed in order to meet government accident rate targets. Conservatives say this is all about revenue raising and little to do with accidents. Charging bikers would raise £750,000 a week for TfL. In the first year of charging, accidents involving bikers decreased by eight percent despite ridership increasing 20%.
Roger Evans, Conservative Transport spokesman said:
"This is not about safety, it's about money - again. As usual the mayor is trying to get his greedy-paws on Londoners money and as usual it involves him breaking past promises.
The pretence of using charges as a method of reducing accidents is also absurd. It is a bear-faced attempt to cover up a blatant revenue raising exercise. If pedestrian accidents don't meet targets - are we going to start charging them too? There are far more effective ways to reduce accidents such as public awareness campaigns."
When the charge was introduced, bikes were sensibly given an exemption because they don't cause much congestion. Many people therefore invested in motorbikes and scooters. Now, thanks to the Mayor, they face the prospect of charging. These plans are scandalous."
For more info contact: Simon Bishop 020 7983 4960
Notes to Editors:
In a report to the Mayor in July 2004, Transport for London, declared: "The encouragement of more sustainable and less congesting modes of travel across Greater London is key to the delivery of the Mayor's Transport Strategy."
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/downloads/pdf/congestion-charging/b-02-suggested-alternatives-final-22-07-04.pdf
The Mayor's own Transport Strategy states:
"Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters can offer a quick, relatively low cost private transport and are more space and fuel efficient than cars..." p201 Para. 4G.25
If you wish to vote on this issue the link is at http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/haveyoursay/polls/?itemId=17475357 pass this out to everybody.
Click No if you don't want to be charged for riding in London
IMO WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERMENT TAX US FOR THE AIR WE BREATHE AND HAVE DONE WITH IT.:suspect: :loopy: :mad: