Shopping Centre Charging for bike parking

Brent Cross Parking

My local Shopping Centre is planning to charge for car parking. Charging for car parking I don't think is an issue to most - especially at only £1 for 2 hours, however, the plans include charging the same rate for motorcycles in dedicated areas!

Thoughts?

I initially thought, hmm, but they do not seem to pick out the motorcycle issues - security, and the fact that we don't add to congestion in the same way as cars afterall we occupy far less space! If we can fit 2 or 3 bikes in 1 space then why are we going to be charged the same.

Luckily the owners seem to be consulting with people on many issues, including charges. If the idea affects you then speak up - it looks like we could mould the facilities given to bikers!! (hoorah!)

It's only a pound ye tight git :P

If they offered something other than just a hatched car parking space it might be wothwhile. If your being consulted and don't mind the charge push for eveything you can get - hoops, lockers, safe lockable helmet storage etc etc anything to make life a little bit easier when your there. A biker freindly shopping centre - there a unique marketing ploy!

Otherwise if you don't want to pay tell them to bog off!

[Biker Biggles]

I thought the idea of parking at places like Brent Cross was to encourage people to go and shop there.I reckon if everyone boycotted the place the whole idea would rapidly find ity's way to the back burner.

[Stu]

If no motorcyclist's turned up, would they even notice
There's not many of us and it's not like you can carry a lot of shopping home.

[Biker Biggles]

Quite so,I was thinking about car drivers not turning up.They would soon drop it then.

[Stu]

Sorry, I'm used to paying for car parking unfortunately.
Isn't Brent Cross in London? You've done well getting free car parking til now.

[Biker Biggles]

Actually you would have to pay me to go there,but I think they have a nerve to charge you to park in their car park so you can go and spend money in their shops.If they are worried about commuters parking there all day then by all means charge for staying for more than say five hours,but not for genuine customers.

[Speedy]

Whats next?

They will be charging us for breathing next!

This is stupid for all the reasons that have already been said,bikes use less space,don't cause congestion etc etc!

I don't like leaving my bike unattended while i'm out on it anyway,so generally use the car for shopping etc.

This has obviously been thought up by someone who counts the pennies,and wants a few more quid out of Joe-public!

Would'nt be so bad if the parking was patrolled by guards that WOULD protect the bikes,but lets face it,they wouldn't be!

[Red ones]

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

Actually you would have to pay me to go there,but I think they have a nerve to charge you to park in their car park so you can go and spend money in their shops.If they are worried about commuters parking there all day then by all means charge for staying for more than say five hours,but not for genuine customers.

Hence the token charge of £1 for shoppers! It is the ONLY Shopping Centre within the Greater london area that remains free to park at. If you look at the charge for all day parking then it will discourage commuters. The idea ain't going to go away, it is happening - take it from me!