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Two-wheeled protesters command the streets during last Monday’s go-slow ride |
The biker ‘bully boys’ are back
Motorcyclists stage latest demonstration against parking fee at Trafalgar Square
AN army of leather-clad bikers roared through the streets of Westminster this week to stage their biggest protest so far against the council’s parking charges
Monday’s go-slow ride, which centred on Trafalgar Square, marks a change in tactic from the motorcyclists who previously focused on the council’s headquarters at Westminster City Hall.
It is the latest riposte to the council’s £1.50 daily parking fee, which the campaign group organising the action has condemned as a “tax”.
Relations between the council and the No To Bike Parking Fees (NTBPF) group have been strained since the unpopular charge was trialled in August.
Last month it descended into a tit-for-tat squabble with NTBPF accusing the council of conducting a smear campaign, and the council hitting back by calling the group “bully boys”.
Business leaders in the West End had slammed the action because they claimed the disruption would cost millions of pounds in lost revenue.
The protest was almost marred by tragedy when a protester was knocked off his motorbike by a car, leading to a confrontation in the street. A film of the incident has appeared on YouTube, called “The Fight”.
A spokesman for NTBPF said: “If we are to get the public to actually start applying pressure on Westminster City Council, their daily routine has to be sufficiently disrupted before they will at least want to understand our concerns.
“Persistent disruption by us will transfer initial derision felt by the public towards us into demands from the public on WCC to negotiate a settlement with us, thereby eradicating future disruption.”
The council has defended itself, claiming motorcyclists, who don’t pay the congestion charge, should help fund improvements and maintenance to roads.
A decision will be made next week as to whether the charge will be permanent.
Councillor Danny Chalkley, cabinet member for transport, said: “We recognise the importance of protest and have always welcomed constructive criticism and debate.
“However, it is entirely inappropriate to cause mayhem in the most important shopping and entertainment district in the UK, especially at a time of global recession.”?Motorcyclists stage latest demonstration against parking fee at Trafalgar Square
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