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BIKERS PROTEST OVER FUEL SPILLAGE DANGER
Hundreds of bikers were expected to halt traffic in the heart of Aberdeen on 14 April 2007 [The day of the AGC]
The motorcyclists planned to bring the city centre to a standstill in a demonstration against fuel spillages.
The spills are said to kill dozens of bikers each year, and one of the main targets for the protest is Aberdeen City Council.
The action has come at the end of a week-long campaign by Aberdeenshire Motorcycle Action Group to highlight the dangers of over-filling diesel tanks.
Aberdeenshire MAG member Bruce Stuart said: "If a biker comes across a large diesel spill, they have basically got no chance."
He called the city council "one of the worst offenders" for diesel spills from its vehicles.
A recent Aberdeenshire MAG survey claimed 21 of 23 city council vehicles parked at its Kittybrewster depot showed signs of diesel overfilling.
Mr Stuart added: "Aberdeenshire MAG is very disappointed that the vehicles owned and run by the city council are in this state.
"They are the ones who have to go out and clear up diesel spillages. It is a pity they are also the ones who appear to be causing many of them."
However, he congratulated Aberdeenshire Council and said its vehicles do not appear to be leaking fuel.
A city council spokesman said the authority shared concerns about fuel spills and the safety risks they pose.
He said: "If anyone wants to come to us about these issues, we'll do that - but this kind of approach is really very unfortunate."
The protest was due to bring together bikers from all over the North-east.
The MAG group has set up a stall in the Mall Aberdeen to help promote its Think for a Minute campaign.
The initiative also highlights the dangers of drink-driving, speeding and driving while using a mobile phone.
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