It’s the bike tax policy that is grinding to a standstill

Published: 12th March 2010

• DANNY Chalkley has, with some indignation it would seem, rejected the charge that his tax on scooters and motorcycles is not about the money, but about “ensuring the city does not grind to a standstill,” (Letters, March 5).
As for putting the record straight!
Congestion? Aside from the massive protests against his council’s scheme, when was the last time a scooter or a motorcycle caused a traffic jam?
Space? He claims kerbside space is at a premium – yet he had no trouble finding space for his car club.
Security devices and extra space? To the motorcycle community he has promised improvements to parking facilities which simply have not materialised – despite assurances that no charging would begin until these improvements were already in place.
He has categorically stated that the charge is not in place to restrict the use of motorcycles, yet his clear message that the result of this charge should be a reduction or restriction in the number of bikes goes against this. Where does he think the bikers will turn to? Public transport is long and arduous by comparison, cars are charged obscene sums by councils across the city, bicycles simply are not an option for many who live further out of town, and unfortunately there is no airstrip currently available in the West End.
Perhaps they will all move to driving a G-Wiz to their free parking space, until he decides that this too poses a space issue, as a G-Wiz occupies the space of eight bikes.
They have a projected a loss of over £400,000 on the scheme having made over £2million in the first six months last year and an amazing projected increase in enforcement costs from £498,000 to a £1.7million.
Perhaps it is time Cllr Chalkley looked at the position he has dragged this reputable council to, now at the receiving end of an EU investigation, OFT and ministerial investigation, and police investigation, and the target of thousands of angry commuters who happen to use two wheels rather than four.
Perhaps it is time he decided to recognise he is defending the indefensible, and he should sit down and put the torch to this ridiculous tax. And consider whether he should return after the elections.
CHARLIE LORT-PHILLIPS
No To Bike Parking Tax