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Network July 2007
As you may be aware we are currently revamping the MAG websites. Network Online will return in full its full format shortly.
In the meantime you can download the pdf version from the “Down Load Network” page Here
Also by clicking on the following link you can download a text only version in a
word document.
Click Here
Don’t forget you can receive Network via e-mail in the text version by
subscribing via the links on the front page.
In this months Network:
Bikes to Face Congestion Charge
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) says that proposals contained in Manchester’s congestion charging scheme to charge motorcycles
are the thin end of the wedge as cities in the UK wait in line to implement future national road pricing plans.
MAG is amazed that the authorities in Manchester have even
considered charging motorcycles, when the London congestion charging scheme has proved successful and beneficial to congestion busting motorcycles.
The proposal for a traffic charging scheme by the Association of Greater
Manchester Authorities (AGMA) is aimed to overcome the increasing problems of congestion in this city.
Motorcycles offer a solution to the problem of congestion. Congestion charging schemes
currently exist in Central London and Durham. In both schemes motorcycles are exempt from the charge because it has been recognised that this form of transport reduces congestion.
MAG believes that motorcycles fulfil a significant role as part of an integrated transport
policy by not only relieving traffic congestion but also pollution, whilst enhancing commercial efficiency by cutting the length of journey times to work.
MAG’s Public Affairs Director Trevor Baird, said, “We have a change of Transport Ministers
in Gordon Brown's new cabinet. Stephen Ladyman is replaced by Rosie Winterton, Ruth Kelly has been appointed as the Secretary of State for Transport with the responsibility of
rolling out the congestion charge across Greater Manchester, and perhaps she will give Manchester direction in exempting motorcycles in their proposed scheme.”
MAG calls on the authorities in Manchester to recognise the positive contribution that
motorcycles make to congestion problems by excluding motorcycles from the Congestion Charging proposals and recognise motorcycling as a legitimate and increasingly popular
mode of transport.
Lobby
If Manchester introduces charges for motorcycles, in what is being seen as a National
"pilot" scheme then we will possibly have a "fight" with each city on exemption.
We need Manchester to follow the lead of London and the Historic City of Durham.
You can also sign the on line petition and take part in the poll on congestion on the
campaigns website.
The petition is available for printing.
Whether you ride a Scooter, Tourer, Custom or Sportsbike, if it has two wheels this issue
affects you!
Don’t let Manchester be the first to charge motorcycles for the congestion that they do not
cause!
REPS – ACTIVISTS - RIDERS
MAG’s Campaign website against Congestion Charging for motorcycles at Here
The website includes a full lobby document with contact details for the Manchester
Authority, Transport and Shadow Transport Ministers.
For Local MAG Groups in the Northwest details are also included of MP’s, MEP’s and
Councillors.
You may want to print out the petition and place these in local motorcycle dealers etc Petition
MAG response to Manchester Authorities Here 161kb
Lobby Document as a word document Here
Trevor Baird Public Affairs Director
Also in this issue of Network
Public Affairs Report
Campaigns Managers Report
Front Tyre Recall
Government Responds And Listens To Motorcycling
Speed Cameras
Unity Ride II is on!
FEMA - Directive Infrastructure
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