Bikers ‘Watching you, watching us!’ - City Hall protest by 'No To Mob' campaign

Published: 10 December 2010
by JOSH LOEB

MOTORBIKE protesters angry about parking charges demonstrated outside City Hall on Tuesday night before storming into a public meeting wearing masks, writes Josh Loeb.

Bikers unfurled a banner emblazoned with the words “We are watching you” as part of the protest – the latest move in a campaign by No To Mob.

The group carry out regular “hunts” during which they track down CCTV camera cars used by Westminster City Council’s parking contractor NSL to enforce fines. Riders then stand next to the cars with signs warning motorists that they are being filmed and are at risk of being ticketed.

Steve Baker, who helps run the group, said councils were exploiting road users as “cash cows”.

Cllr Lee Rowley, Westminster council’s cabinet member for parking, said: “The council’s two CCTV cars both have 15ft cameras and large signage to make them clearly visible and easy for motorists to spot, so I’m not sure that this is the best use of the motorcyclists’ time. I have already suggested that if these motorcyclists want to volunteer in Westminster I’d be happy to put them in contact with one of the many hundreds of good causes that would welcome additional support, and that offer still stands.”

– See Diary