Setting the record straight Chalkley ?
Submitted by C Rathbone on Fri, 2010-03-05 17:52.Quote: "To set the record straight, the introduction of motorcycle parking charges is not about revenue raising it is about dealing with the increasing pressures on our roads and ensuring the city does not grind to a standstill"
I can only assume that by charging motorbikes to park, Danny Chalkley was aiming to reduce their numbers. But then,
why did Westminster City Council increase parking for motorcycles and scooters by 44% prior to introducing the scheme ?
Why are they offering free parking in Westminster's underground car parks for motorcycles ?
If kerbside space is at such a premium why doesn't he allow scooters to park on 'dead' areas of pavement where no pedestrian ever walks, thus freeing up vital space?
If kerbside space is at such a premium why (by the rules of his scheme) are electrically powered two-wheelers allowed to park for free? If every motorcyclist and scooter rider switched to an electrically powered bike would the 'pressure' that he says is caused by petrol-powered bikes suddenly vanish ?
If it's not (and never was) about raising revenue why on the 18th December 2006 did the Cabinet Member Report, *Motorcycle Parking Strategy* project a net revenue benefit of £439,000, followed by a profit of £575,000 in 2008/09 ?
It would certainly explain the scheme's architect's embarassment on 31st March 2009 to reluctantly reveal that the scheme had generated a profit of £2.5 MILLION !
Admit it chalkley, it's all about the money, it always was and always will be. You know that, We know that, the Judge knows that.