Make no mistake, Westminster's plan to end free bike parking is coming to a bay near you soon. Listen to what Mr Gilchrist says at 00:17-00:24 It will spread out across all of the UK Will the "it can't happen here" mob and trolls be so smug when it's too late and the fees rise and PCNs start coming?
This is what a parking consulation document from Birmingham City Council says:
6.4 Powered Two-wheel Vehicle Parking
6.4.1 The City Council acknowledges the air quality and traffic congestion benefits that may arise from the use of certain types of powered two-wheel vehicles (PTWs), e.g. mopeds and small motorcycles (under 800cc) (Do I smell special treatment of big bikes ahead??)if they substitute for car use.
6.4.2 In terms of parking requirements motorcycles can encourage effective use of road and kerb side space, e.g. a single on-street car space can accommodate up to five PTWs.
6.4.3 In areas of high demand the City Council will seek to introduce more on-street PTW parking facilities. Currently this on-street parking is free and without time limit. There is a difficulty for motorcycles to display permits and pay and display vouchers. The City Council does charge for motorcycle parking in some off street car parks where innovative secure boxes have been provided beside the parking space into which motorcyclists post their Pay & Display ticket completed with their registration details. (All they need is a way to solve the problem of how to do it)
6.4.4 In areas of high demand the City Council may consider introducing charging for Motorcycle parking. This could be achieved by using the park and pay by phone system. (Remind you of Westminster CC?)However, charges should be used to improve the motorcycle parking through provision of security facilities such as Sheffield Stands.(Yeah, right just like all the security WCC haven't installed??) Advice on best practice for motorcycle parking is given in Traffic Advisory Leaflet 02/02.
6.4.5 The specific location of PTW parking facilities needs to be carefully planned. These facilities need to be highly visible, allowing the opportunity for public surveillance including CCTV to minimise the risk of theft. (Like pretty much any major UK street already has?)
Bikers need to decide whether they are part of the solution or part of the problem. If you look forward to being charged and/or fined, just grumble on forums etc., take the piss or do nothing. OTH, if you don't want to be the next cash cow support NoToBikeParkingTax Obviously, if we win in court today, it might not be necessary to join this fight but you can be sure that we will be inspired to target other issues.
PS An excellent start would be spreading the linked video around to other sites, forums, the press & media. Of course, you should join us on our demos and barricading WCC in theiroffices. The latter is a great way to start the day and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face 
Here's the latest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vGUyTHw-TM
Edited: 18/07/2010 at 18:20
