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Return to the Lobby Information page Here
30th BRUM and National DEMO Report
Organised by West Midlands MAG the MAG National Demo this year focussed on the issue of charging bikers under congestion charging plans currently being formulated by the city of Manchester.
Over four hundred riders converged on Birmingham to say no to proposed congestion charging for motorcycles.
Riders rode from outside Birmingham to Centenary Square in the city centre to deliver the simple message that, motorcycles are congestion friendly , environmentally friendly, socially inclusive and are part of the overall transport solution regarding congestion.
MAG’s stance is that modal shift from cars to bikes helps relieve traffic congestion and therefore exempting motorcycles from charging schemes will encourage that shift with benefits for the environment and the economy.
The run was addressed by MAG President Ian Mutch who underscored these points and described the positive changes happening within MAG which it is hoped will make us a bigger, and more effective lobbying force in the very near future.
The Demo ran through the heart of Birmingham past thousands of shoppers who crowded the pavements to watch the policeescorted convoy pass through.
Although plans are currently under way for charging for motorcycles in Manchester, authorities in the West Midlands have looked at “black box” satellite systems fitted to vehicles which would charge on the time, length and destination of journeys.
MAG’s Public Affairs Director, Trevor Baird, said,” The demo runs and protests that have shaped MAG over thirty years have been useful tools leading MAG to the engagement that we have with authorities and politicians. However we will not forget the roots of the megaphone diplomacy that has shaped MAG since 1973.”
Don’t let Manchester be the first to charge motorcycles for the congestion they do not cause, join MAG’s lobby against this green tax for motorcycles.
The run was complemented by the Heart of England rally at nearby Stoke Prior Country Club. West Midlands MAG would like to thank the police for their excellent co-operation in marshaling the run superbly.
Collection at the start for the "John Taylor Hospice" www.johntaylorhospicelof.org.uk
Link to the West Midlands website HERE
Pictures from Southampton MAG Here
Report from Birmingham Mail Here
View pictures of last years demo Here
More Pictures
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Some of the riders at Centenary Square
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On the Road
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Waiting for the Off
Picture from Southampton MAG
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The Start at The Old Hare & Hounds
Picture from Southampton MAG
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Back to the Campaign Website Here
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