PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 24, 2010 – A truck rental company should be used for truck hire as it provides major benefits instead of owning a truck on your own and the hassles that come along with it.
Trucks can be rented for few hours or a few days depending on your requirements. Depending on the load you want to be carried, the truck size can be chosen accordingly. Your local truck company will help you in this search for finding the best truck for your needs. Besides, if you feel any inconvenience to drop the truck back to the truck firm, you can also drop it off at one of its other agencies near your destination.
If in any case, you need a truck get to your near travel across town then you can also opt to rent a truck from your regular agency. So it will be right to say that according to your needs and requirements, you can choose an accurate and a desired truck size from your truck rental company. Truck hire is available with various additional insurances. But generally people neglect this thought and consider it as less valuable. This should be avoided as it may lead to future problems like – penalization for any damage that may have been caused due to rough roads or bad weather. It is suggested to go through all the Insurance terms and policies. Hence you should have a complete knowledge about the insurance facilities and more importantly. Always try to get more information about other insurances and their viability from Internet facilities or from any legal firm.
And before signing any rental agreement, make sure you thoroughly inspect the vehicle. It is advisable to make a check for scratches, dents, bumps and anything on the interior or external part of the truck that has been damaged. And be assured that all signs of wear are listed on the inspection sheet. Also, your firm's agent should record the current mileage and amount of gas in the tank. More deeply, you can also have a view to ensure the odometer reading and gas levels are correct. After you've finished your journey to a point, fill up the tank before you return the vehicle. As truck hiring firm usually will definitely charge some amount for gas plus a service fee for filling up the fuel.
So overall, it can be exactly said that truck rentals are very handy and can be used for a variety of purposes.
For more information about minibus rental, Minibus rental, car hire Auckland visit http://www.jamesblond.co.nz and http://www.jamesblond.co.nz/Car-Rental-Auckland
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Self Storage In Abu Dhabi Has More Customers
PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 17, 2010 – Dubai Shopping Festival is responsible in creating more demands for storage solutions. The near by Emirate is experiencing a sudden rush opting for storage facility in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai, UAE- February 17, 2010 - Dubai Shopping Festival very well known as DSF has already started and is witnessing a huge mass of people. Shopping is a synonym for Dubai, and this is a notable fact world over. This biggest festival of shopping certainly comprehends itself with variety of offers, discounts and surprise packages on every purchase. Luxurious and branded stuffs are available with reasonable amount of charges.
Everyone coming with the intention to shop is taking a great advantage of all the concessions available. Their entire shopping certainly requires a place to store them safely. So many people have opted for storage units in Abu Dhabi. Visitors find it convenient to opt for a short term storage facility, this makes their shopping stress free. Many guests say, “it is a wonderful facility, we don’t have to bother about where to keep our belongings safely”. Even for residents it’s a boon as they can store many things which won’t be used recently. This has resulted in a growth in usage of storage solution in Abu Dhabi.
Storage In Abu Dhabi is one of the prominent company in the market. Their service is appreciated by all their customers. The advanced security levels make sure that client’s belongings are safe. The company also provides Abu Dhabi moving services. For any type of packaging, storing and moving issues, most of the people prefer Storage In Abu Dhabi.
Visit The Box online at http://www.storageinabudhabi.com/
Dubai, UAE- February 17, 2010 - Dubai Shopping Festival very well known as DSF has already started and is witnessing a huge mass of people. Shopping is a synonym for Dubai, and this is a notable fact world over. This biggest festival of shopping certainly comprehends itself with variety of offers, discounts and surprise packages on every purchase. Luxurious and branded stuffs are available with reasonable amount of charges.
Everyone coming with the intention to shop is taking a great advantage of all the concessions available. Their entire shopping certainly requires a place to store them safely. So many people have opted for storage units in Abu Dhabi. Visitors find it convenient to opt for a short term storage facility, this makes their shopping stress free. Many guests say, “it is a wonderful facility, we don’t have to bother about where to keep our belongings safely”. Even for residents it’s a boon as they can store many things which won’t be used recently. This has resulted in a growth in usage of storage solution in Abu Dhabi.
Storage In Abu Dhabi is one of the prominent company in the market. Their service is appreciated by all their customers. The advanced security levels make sure that client’s belongings are safe. The company also provides Abu Dhabi moving services. For any type of packaging, storing and moving issues, most of the people prefer Storage In Abu Dhabi.
Visit The Box online at http://www.storageinabudhabi.com/
Furniture Cab Raleigh Moving NC Local Cary NC Moving North Carolina Movers
PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 17, 2010 – Furniture Cab Raleigh Moving NC Local Cary NC Moving is expanding it's scope of services. Offering affordable alternatives to high priced moving outfits. Furniture Cab Raleigh Moving NC Local Cary NC Moving is positioned to be the number one provider. The company's owner William Mercer says " the Triangle is ripe for business, and after analyzing the moving industry there is room for growth.
The moving and relocation business is an industry that is often viewed as a brute profession
says Mercer. What Furniture Cab brings to this is a sense of ease when dealing with movers.
There has been a general sense of unease when dealing with moving companies.
Furniture Cab is offering a rather nice alternative to the image of grunt and gruel associated with moving.
The moving and relocation business is an industry that is often viewed as a brute profession
says Mercer. What Furniture Cab brings to this is a sense of ease when dealing with movers.
There has been a general sense of unease when dealing with moving companies.
Furniture Cab is offering a rather nice alternative to the image of grunt and gruel associated with moving.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Milton Kirby Elected Chairman
PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 14, 2010 – As the chairman of the Transportation & Logistics Industry Group (TLG), Milton Kirby wants to increase the visibility, capacity, capability and sustainability of the group members.
Kirby, president and CEO of Allied Logistics, Inc., takes the helm of TLG as his industry faces one of its most challenging years.
The GMSDC is a non-profit organization established in 1975 as a regional office of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The GMSDC is one of the largest of 39 Councils nationwide. The GMSDC has the largest number of certified and ethnically mixed MBEs in the Southeast region, it is comprised of a network of corporate members and certified minority business enterprises.
“We exist to educate and provide shared opportunities amongst ourselves as suppliers to one another or as partners to users of our services”. Our success will be measured by how well we perform in three key performance areas. 1) Providing a good educational component offered either by a member addressing us, or a guest speaker either from industry or related significant interested party. 2) Providing access to and assistance with business opportunities. 3) Sharing of opportunities which would be of interest to others regardless of whether the person bringing the opportunity can participate, Kirby said.
At the end of the day, our goal is to educate, support, and assist others and ourselves by jointly sharing knowledge and best practices.
Kirby, president and CEO of Allied Logistics, Inc., takes the helm of TLG as his industry faces one of its most challenging years.
The GMSDC is a non-profit organization established in 1975 as a regional office of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The GMSDC is one of the largest of 39 Councils nationwide. The GMSDC has the largest number of certified and ethnically mixed MBEs in the Southeast region, it is comprised of a network of corporate members and certified minority business enterprises.
“We exist to educate and provide shared opportunities amongst ourselves as suppliers to one another or as partners to users of our services”. Our success will be measured by how well we perform in three key performance areas. 1) Providing a good educational component offered either by a member addressing us, or a guest speaker either from industry or related significant interested party. 2) Providing access to and assistance with business opportunities. 3) Sharing of opportunities which would be of interest to others regardless of whether the person bringing the opportunity can participate, Kirby said.
At the end of the day, our goal is to educate, support, and assist others and ourselves by jointly sharing knowledge and best practices.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
ACS’s Asia Pacific offices predict strong growth in 2010
PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 10, 2010 – In 2009 Air Charter Service’s two offices in the Asia Pacific region – in Hong Kong and Tokyo – said that they had noticed an increase in executive aircraft chartering, specifically in the second half of last year and the beginning of 2010.
Gavin Copus, General Manager of ACS Asia Pacific, said: “Since last summer, numbers of private jet charters booked with us in the region have more than doubled compared to the same period 12 months ago. A lot of new clients have come to us after realising that chartering their own jet is a lot more affordable than they at first thought. Also I think clients in the region have learned from the mistakes made in the U.S. and Europe when it comes to signing up to JetCard and fractional ownership schemes, and are less likely to enter these long term contracts. ”
He added: “To cope with this extra demand, we have significantly strengthened our team in the office in recent months as we believe the market is in an upswing and we will need the extra manpower. Everything we have been reading in the press about the global private jet industry has been doom and gloom as many of those companies which sell fractional or jet card schemes are experiencing losses. However, it must be said that a large number of these companies rely solely on selling these schemes rather than also offering ad-hoc charters. In my opinion their losses seem to be reflecting people’s changing spending habits, rather than the failure of the industry to recover.”
Copus believes that all the signs indicate there will be no slowdown in demand this year: “The market seems to still be as buoyant as at the start of the year, and shows no signs of dropping off, so I can only see further growth in 2010. It’s fair to say I’m optimistic that we have turned the corner of the global economic slowdown, and there is a bright future ahead for aircraft chartering.”
Gavin Copus, General Manager of ACS Asia Pacific, said: “Since last summer, numbers of private jet charters booked with us in the region have more than doubled compared to the same period 12 months ago. A lot of new clients have come to us after realising that chartering their own jet is a lot more affordable than they at first thought. Also I think clients in the region have learned from the mistakes made in the U.S. and Europe when it comes to signing up to JetCard and fractional ownership schemes, and are less likely to enter these long term contracts. ”
He added: “To cope with this extra demand, we have significantly strengthened our team in the office in recent months as we believe the market is in an upswing and we will need the extra manpower. Everything we have been reading in the press about the global private jet industry has been doom and gloom as many of those companies which sell fractional or jet card schemes are experiencing losses. However, it must be said that a large number of these companies rely solely on selling these schemes rather than also offering ad-hoc charters. In my opinion their losses seem to be reflecting people’s changing spending habits, rather than the failure of the industry to recover.”
Copus believes that all the signs indicate there will be no slowdown in demand this year: “The market seems to still be as buoyant as at the start of the year, and shows no signs of dropping off, so I can only see further growth in 2010. It’s fair to say I’m optimistic that we have turned the corner of the global economic slowdown, and there is a bright future ahead for aircraft chartering.”
UK drivers spend a whole week on the road EVERY year
PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 10, 2010 – A study of typical travel habits of British drivers has found that they drive the most miles out of all the UK’s supposed 9-5ers, racking up nearly 3,000 miles every single month, whilst the research also looked at the number of miles Brits drive, how much they spend on petrol and more.
Leading user-courier matchmaking website www.Boxby.co.uk, which allows users to post delivery jobs for bulky or fragile items which couriers then bid on to transit have looked into the number of miles Brits drive.
The average Brit spends 25 minutes every day driving, which equates to 152 hours, or 6.33 days nonstop driving every single year according to the research, with 64% of people admitting that they’ve slept in their car overnight at some point in the past.
The average person drives 16 miles a day – or 5,840 miles a year – the equivalent of driving from Lands End to John O’Groats seven times.
There are 36,535,724 registered drivers in the UK, meaning that on average, 213 billion miles are travelled on UK roads every year.
At current petrol rates and at 35 miles per gallon, this would mean that the average driver spends £853 on petrol every year.
According to the study, at the rate of 33,600 miles a year, it would take the average courier just 7 years in the job to travel the equivalent distance of Earth to the moon, which is approximately 239,000 miles away at any given time.
The research showed that ‘mobile office’ sales workers, or people who travel to and from business meetings, are second in the list of employees who travel the furthest distance every week, with car-bound professionals clocking up over 100 miles a day on average.
Taxi drivers travel approximately 85 miles a day according to the research by Boxby.co.uk.
Sandra Patterson, co-founder of Boxby.co.uk had the following to say,
“Driving is such a huge part of life that you don’t really think about just how long you spend actually doing it.
“To find that couriers travel such long distances – nearly 6 times as far as the average person is amazing, and testament to how hard they work.”
ENDS
EDITORS NOTES
For more information, contact Gabrielle Lofthouse at 10 Yetis PR Agency on 01452348211 or gabrielle@10yetis.co.uk or on Twitter @Gabriella_PRowl
Boxby were Scotland Finalists in 2008's HSBC Start-Up Stars.
Despite only launching officially last year, thousands of Brits have already sent items across the country with nearly 2000 registered couriers across the country.
Leading user-courier matchmaking website www.Boxby.co.uk, which allows users to post delivery jobs for bulky or fragile items which couriers then bid on to transit have looked into the number of miles Brits drive.
The average Brit spends 25 minutes every day driving, which equates to 152 hours, or 6.33 days nonstop driving every single year according to the research, with 64% of people admitting that they’ve slept in their car overnight at some point in the past.
The average person drives 16 miles a day – or 5,840 miles a year – the equivalent of driving from Lands End to John O’Groats seven times.
There are 36,535,724 registered drivers in the UK, meaning that on average, 213 billion miles are travelled on UK roads every year.
At current petrol rates and at 35 miles per gallon, this would mean that the average driver spends £853 on petrol every year.
According to the study, at the rate of 33,600 miles a year, it would take the average courier just 7 years in the job to travel the equivalent distance of Earth to the moon, which is approximately 239,000 miles away at any given time.
The research showed that ‘mobile office’ sales workers, or people who travel to and from business meetings, are second in the list of employees who travel the furthest distance every week, with car-bound professionals clocking up over 100 miles a day on average.
Taxi drivers travel approximately 85 miles a day according to the research by Boxby.co.uk.
Sandra Patterson, co-founder of Boxby.co.uk had the following to say,
“Driving is such a huge part of life that you don’t really think about just how long you spend actually doing it.
“To find that couriers travel such long distances – nearly 6 times as far as the average person is amazing, and testament to how hard they work.”
ENDS
EDITORS NOTES
For more information, contact Gabrielle Lofthouse at 10 Yetis PR Agency on 01452348211 or gabrielle@10yetis.co.uk or on Twitter @Gabriella_PRowl
Boxby were Scotland Finalists in 2008's HSBC Start-Up Stars.
Despite only launching officially last year, thousands of Brits have already sent items across the country with nearly 2000 registered couriers across the country.
RV and Motorhome Service in Orange County
PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 09, 2010 – With spring around the corner and summer close behind many RV and motor home owners are beginning to plan their annual pilgrimages to destinations far and wide. Of course, no road trip is effectively launched without having the vehicle fully serviced and making any necessary repairs. Only a few fortunate, retired individuals travel in their RVs year round. Most motor homes spend the majority of the year in storage lots, garages or backyards. Even though they appear to only be collecting dust, damage can occur during non-operation, especially if exposed to direct sun or extreme heat. Therefore, finding a service center that will conduct a thorough inspection, identify problem areas and make accurate repairs is crucial.
Making sure that a service center is qualified to inspect and repair your type of motor home or RV is as easy as asking a few questions. Ask how many RVs and motor homes the center services on a regular basis and how many of those are similar to your make and model. If the center mostly services small passenger vehicles and only sees a handful of RVs it’s probably a good idea to consider another option. Next, take a look at their service bays and ask if they can lift vehicles in the same weight class as yours. This will identify if the work is being done on the premises or being conducted at another location. Also ask about their parts and accessories inventory. A fully stocked parts department will indicate that the center specializes in motor home repair and that the work will be done quickly without shipping delays from the manufacturer.
Once you have selected a service center and it's time for that big pre-trip service appointment, make sure that your service package includes fuel filter diagnostics, transmission and brake fluid changes as well as ignition wire inspection. The best RV and motor home service centers will also offer recommended service schedules, such as changing the engine oil and oil filter every 75 operating hours or 12 months. Some centers also offer customer education. Helpful tips such as, run the generator and motor once a month or check the roof for sealant cracking, will help you to best maintain your vehicle and prevent expensive repairs in the future. With the help of an efficient and knowledgeable service team your mobile home-away-from-home can be made ready for the road and many happy memories to follow.
http://www.santamargaritaford.com/j/i/32984/Service-Moto ...
Making sure that a service center is qualified to inspect and repair your type of motor home or RV is as easy as asking a few questions. Ask how many RVs and motor homes the center services on a regular basis and how many of those are similar to your make and model. If the center mostly services small passenger vehicles and only sees a handful of RVs it’s probably a good idea to consider another option. Next, take a look at their service bays and ask if they can lift vehicles in the same weight class as yours. This will identify if the work is being done on the premises or being conducted at another location. Also ask about their parts and accessories inventory. A fully stocked parts department will indicate that the center specializes in motor home repair and that the work will be done quickly without shipping delays from the manufacturer.
Once you have selected a service center and it's time for that big pre-trip service appointment, make sure that your service package includes fuel filter diagnostics, transmission and brake fluid changes as well as ignition wire inspection. The best RV and motor home service centers will also offer recommended service schedules, such as changing the engine oil and oil filter every 75 operating hours or 12 months. Some centers also offer customer education. Helpful tips such as, run the generator and motor once a month or check the roof for sealant cracking, will help you to best maintain your vehicle and prevent expensive repairs in the future. With the help of an efficient and knowledgeable service team your mobile home-away-from-home can be made ready for the road and many happy memories to follow.
http://www.santamargaritaford.com/j/i/32984/Service-Moto ...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Call Zebra joins forces with Enterprise Rent-a-Car
PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 03, 2010 – Forward thinking accident management company Call Zebra has signed a three-year deal with international hire car provider Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
The new partnership, which went live on February 1st, will see Enterprise provide replacement vehicles for Call Zebra customers across the UK mainland.
Newcomers Call Zebra burst on to the scene in April 2008 offering a fresh, transparent approach to accident management, with the emphasis on quick turnarounds, high-quality repairs and customer satisfaction.
Enterprise shares Call Zebra’s commitment to providing rapid replacement vehicles, driving down repair times and putting the customer first. While its 330 rental centres are ideally positioned to service Call Zebra’s fast-growing customer base.
Darren Gilling, managing director of Call Zebra, said: “The ethos of Call Zebra is to keep motorists moving and disruption to a minimum and we hope the partnership with Enterprise will enable us to reach our customers even quicker. Enterprise is a well established company with an excellent reputation and we look forward to working with them as our customer base continues to grow. We are constantly looking to raise the bar and will be launching a number of new customer-friendly initiatives in 2010.”
Gary Palmer, managing director of Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s northwest division, added: “Call Zebra is a young company with big plans and Enterprise Rent-A-Car is delighted to be working in partnership to provide replacement vehicles to their customers. Our centres are within 10 miles of 91% of the UK population making us ideally equipped to take care of all of Call Zebra’s customers’ rental needs.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Accompanying image L-R: Gary Palmer, managing director of Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s northwest division, and Darren Gilling, managing director of Call Zebra.
About Call Zebra
Call Zebra takes a naturally different approach to accident management, providing 24/7 solutions to the automotive sector. It takes control of the car recovery, car repair, car hire and legal requirements, ensuring motorists get back on the road quickly and safely.
For more information about Call Zebra and its services visit www.calluandi.com or call 08000 932 727. Alternatively visit its customer-friendly website www.callzebra.co.uk
Call Zebra’s HQ is based in the Pioneer Business Park, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Zebra UK LTD is regulated by the Ministry of Justice in respect of claims management activities.
About Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an international rental car company with more than 7,000 locations and over 900,000 vehicles worldwide. Specialising in providing replacement vehicles and courtesy cars that are relied upon in the event of an accident, we also provide daily and weekend rental for private or business use.
Since establishing ourselves in Europe more than ten years ago, we have gone from strength to strength and are now firmly established as one of the top three rental car companies in the UK and a growing competitor in Europe. With 3,100 staff across the in our 330 branches, three quarters of the UK population live within five miles of an Enterprise location.
For more information about this release please contact Emilie Bradshaw at Active Profile, on 0151 601 8688 or e-mail emilie.bradshaw@activeprofile.co.uk
The new partnership, which went live on February 1st, will see Enterprise provide replacement vehicles for Call Zebra customers across the UK mainland.
Newcomers Call Zebra burst on to the scene in April 2008 offering a fresh, transparent approach to accident management, with the emphasis on quick turnarounds, high-quality repairs and customer satisfaction.
Enterprise shares Call Zebra’s commitment to providing rapid replacement vehicles, driving down repair times and putting the customer first. While its 330 rental centres are ideally positioned to service Call Zebra’s fast-growing customer base.
Darren Gilling, managing director of Call Zebra, said: “The ethos of Call Zebra is to keep motorists moving and disruption to a minimum and we hope the partnership with Enterprise will enable us to reach our customers even quicker. Enterprise is a well established company with an excellent reputation and we look forward to working with them as our customer base continues to grow. We are constantly looking to raise the bar and will be launching a number of new customer-friendly initiatives in 2010.”
Gary Palmer, managing director of Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s northwest division, added: “Call Zebra is a young company with big plans and Enterprise Rent-A-Car is delighted to be working in partnership to provide replacement vehicles to their customers. Our centres are within 10 miles of 91% of the UK population making us ideally equipped to take care of all of Call Zebra’s customers’ rental needs.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Accompanying image L-R: Gary Palmer, managing director of Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s northwest division, and Darren Gilling, managing director of Call Zebra.
About Call Zebra
Call Zebra takes a naturally different approach to accident management, providing 24/7 solutions to the automotive sector. It takes control of the car recovery, car repair, car hire and legal requirements, ensuring motorists get back on the road quickly and safely.
For more information about Call Zebra and its services visit www.calluandi.com or call 08000 932 727. Alternatively visit its customer-friendly website www.callzebra.co.uk
Call Zebra’s HQ is based in the Pioneer Business Park, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Zebra UK LTD is regulated by the Ministry of Justice in respect of claims management activities.
About Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an international rental car company with more than 7,000 locations and over 900,000 vehicles worldwide. Specialising in providing replacement vehicles and courtesy cars that are relied upon in the event of an accident, we also provide daily and weekend rental for private or business use.
Since establishing ourselves in Europe more than ten years ago, we have gone from strength to strength and are now firmly established as one of the top three rental car companies in the UK and a growing competitor in Europe. With 3,100 staff across the in our 330 branches, three quarters of the UK population live within five miles of an Enterprise location.
For more information about this release please contact Emilie Bradshaw at Active Profile, on 0151 601 8688 or e-mail emilie.bradshaw@activeprofile.co.uk
Motorcycle Protesters To Picket Millbank
PR Log (Press Release) –
Feb 03, 2010 – The No To Bike Parking Tax Campaign is to hold a rally outside the Tory party offices in London to demand answers and action over the activities of their flagship borough, Westminster City Council.
The council’s parking department, under Cllr Danny Chalkley, last week pushed through permanent motorcycle charging in bays across the borough, despite thousands of objections, the largest on-street demonstrations ever seen against the council, and the Judicial Review and Court Case that could now embarrass the party nationally in the run up to the General Election.
The demonstration comes at a time of increasing concern over the council’s parking department, which has become embroiled in battles over the bike ‘tax’, the prospect of charging until midnight for parking, extending yellow line restrictions to midnight, hiking residents’ charges above inflation, incorrectly marking dropped kerbs (leading to tickets issued incorrectly), the fiasco of the CCTV system being unfit for purpose, legal battles over copyright infringements against EDF Energy, unauthorised diplomatic bays leading to illegal tickets, allegations of breaching of EU and local government regulations regarding the tendering and issuing of contracts, and dozens of complaints over FOI requests and emails left unanswered.
The Cabinet Member Report of October 2009 stated:
‘Pursuant to Regulation 6 of the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 … the Council consulted the Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association, the British Motorcyclists' Federation, the Metropolitan Police Service, the London Fire Brigade and the Owner Drivers' Society, as well as all ward councillors and a large number
of residents' and community associations. There were no objections from those consulted.’
This was despite the thousands of objections received by bikers before October 2009, and a confirmation from the BMF that no such consultation took place. Chris Hodder, of the BMF, said:
“At no point were we consulted on the permanent scheme, and if we had been, we would have said ‘no’, ‘no’, and ‘no’ again, so to claim that there were no objections, or that we were consulted, is a whitewash of the highest order.’
It also emerged today that Westminster was cutting the number of motorbike bays, despite having claimed – as one of many excuses - that the charge would increase the number of spaces - and security. (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/59321/notices/103 ...)
In addition, spaces in Council run car parks have been passed over to private companies, in at least two cases, where those spaces are likely to no longer remain free, despite this being a central plank of Cllr Chalkley’s attempts to appease the wave of anger at the scheme. (http://nutsville.com/?p=1015)
Warren Djanogly, Chairman of the Campaign, said:
“Frankly, these councillors make a mockery of the party they claim to represent. They have introduced exactly the kind of stealth tax Eric Pickles claimed Councillors would be sacked for, and yet the party as a whole sits there and does nothing about it. Perhaps they will take more interest when they find their flagship borough in the dock defending charges of material breaches of EU and Local Government Law?’
Cllr Chalkley recently tried to defend allegations of revenue raising (The High Court established that using parking charges to raise revenue is illegal in a judgement made in 1995) after the uproar over the plans to extend charging until midnight, an attempt that many say brings the Council into disrepute.
Charlie Lort-Phillips, from the Campaign, said:
“Everybody who heard and read his words knew exactly what these charges are about – money, money and more money – but he just cannot come out and say it! The fact he still tries to claim that charging a motorcycle to park in a communal bay with no security, or a car driver to park at 11.30 on a Tuesday night is about ‘demand management’ is frankly a shameful and embarrassing example of the depths to which he will go to try and get away with what is revenue raising, pure, simple, and to everyone on the street, blindingly obvious.’
Cllr Chalkley also claimed that kerbside space was ‘at a premium’ to justify charging motorcycles, while at the same time allocating 400 spaces to a car club citing ‘under-used old style meter bays’.
Warren Djanogly added:
"This is not a campaign against the Conservative Party - we are not telling people not to vote Tory - what we need is answers from the Conservatives to the serious questions regarding the conduct and policies of their 'local boys', something they have manifestly failed to do until now."
The rally will be at Conservative Party HQ, 30 Millbank, London, SW1P 4DP, at 1330.
Notes to Editors:
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PREVIOUS DEMONSTRATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/notobikeparkingtax/sets/
VIDEOS OF THE PREVIOUS DEMONSTRATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ojosef
For further information on the campaign, quotes or photos, please contact Warren Djanogly, campaign chair, at:
chairman@notobikeparkingfees.com
Mobile: 07802 882 681
or Charlie Lort-Phillips (Press Spokesman) on:
07813 138 517
charlie@notobikeparkingfees.com/ charlielp@mac.com
1) The No To Bike Parking Fees protest group is the leading voice challenging the charges, and has enlisted the support of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, the Drivers’ Alliance, The British Motorcycle Federation, the Motorcycle Action Group, the AA, and thousands of bikers across the UK. Further information about the campaign can be found at www.notobikeparkingfees.com. To contact the TaxPayers’ Alliance, please contact Mark Wallace, Campaign Director of the Alliance, at:
Mark.wallace@taxpayersalliance.com
Mobile: 07736 009 548
2) Westminster City Council’s scheme involves a parking charge of £1 a day for every motorbike or scooter. To buy an annual parking pass now costs a minimum of £100.Since its introduction in August 2008, the parking tax has raised over £4million.
3) In the Conservative Party’s key document on economic policy, “Reconstruction: Plan for a Strong Economy”, published at the Conservative Party Conference in September 2008 and signed by David Cameron and George Osborne, the first pledge in the Conservative agenda for Tax Reform is “an end to stealth taxes.” This document can be read here: http://www.conservatives.com/~/media/Files/Downloadable%20Files/Reconstruction_-_Plan_for_a_strong_economy.ashx?dl=true
4) In a letter in March to a supporter of the campaign, Robert Goodwill, Conservative MP for Scarborough and Whitby and Shadow Transport Minister for Roads, said ““Please note that this is not a policy set by the Conservative Party nationally but a local policy decided by Westminster councillors. I hope that this will not be replicated widely".
5) In response to question 446/2009, Mayor Boris Johnson said about the parking tax: “I am keen to encourage the use of motorcycles in London, as evidenced by my recent announcement to allow motorcycles in bus lanes on the TLRN. I will ask TfL to discuss with Westminster as to whether the introduction of this payment has led to a reduction in the number of people using motorcycles in central London.”
The council’s parking department, under Cllr Danny Chalkley, last week pushed through permanent motorcycle charging in bays across the borough, despite thousands of objections, the largest on-street demonstrations ever seen against the council, and the Judicial Review and Court Case that could now embarrass the party nationally in the run up to the General Election.
The demonstration comes at a time of increasing concern over the council’s parking department, which has become embroiled in battles over the bike ‘tax’, the prospect of charging until midnight for parking, extending yellow line restrictions to midnight, hiking residents’ charges above inflation, incorrectly marking dropped kerbs (leading to tickets issued incorrectly), the fiasco of the CCTV system being unfit for purpose, legal battles over copyright infringements against EDF Energy, unauthorised diplomatic bays leading to illegal tickets, allegations of breaching of EU and local government regulations regarding the tendering and issuing of contracts, and dozens of complaints over FOI requests and emails left unanswered.
The Cabinet Member Report of October 2009 stated:
‘Pursuant to Regulation 6 of the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 … the Council consulted the Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association, the British Motorcyclists' Federation, the Metropolitan Police Service, the London Fire Brigade and the Owner Drivers' Society, as well as all ward councillors and a large number
of residents' and community associations. There were no objections from those consulted.’
This was despite the thousands of objections received by bikers before October 2009, and a confirmation from the BMF that no such consultation took place. Chris Hodder, of the BMF, said:
“At no point were we consulted on the permanent scheme, and if we had been, we would have said ‘no’, ‘no’, and ‘no’ again, so to claim that there were no objections, or that we were consulted, is a whitewash of the highest order.’
It also emerged today that Westminster was cutting the number of motorbike bays, despite having claimed – as one of many excuses - that the charge would increase the number of spaces - and security. (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/59321/notices/103 ...)
In addition, spaces in Council run car parks have been passed over to private companies, in at least two cases, where those spaces are likely to no longer remain free, despite this being a central plank of Cllr Chalkley’s attempts to appease the wave of anger at the scheme. (http://nutsville.com/?p=1015)
Warren Djanogly, Chairman of the Campaign, said:
“Frankly, these councillors make a mockery of the party they claim to represent. They have introduced exactly the kind of stealth tax Eric Pickles claimed Councillors would be sacked for, and yet the party as a whole sits there and does nothing about it. Perhaps they will take more interest when they find their flagship borough in the dock defending charges of material breaches of EU and Local Government Law?’
Cllr Chalkley recently tried to defend allegations of revenue raising (The High Court established that using parking charges to raise revenue is illegal in a judgement made in 1995) after the uproar over the plans to extend charging until midnight, an attempt that many say brings the Council into disrepute.
Charlie Lort-Phillips, from the Campaign, said:
“Everybody who heard and read his words knew exactly what these charges are about – money, money and more money – but he just cannot come out and say it! The fact he still tries to claim that charging a motorcycle to park in a communal bay with no security, or a car driver to park at 11.30 on a Tuesday night is about ‘demand management’ is frankly a shameful and embarrassing example of the depths to which he will go to try and get away with what is revenue raising, pure, simple, and to everyone on the street, blindingly obvious.’
Cllr Chalkley also claimed that kerbside space was ‘at a premium’ to justify charging motorcycles, while at the same time allocating 400 spaces to a car club citing ‘under-used old style meter bays’.
Warren Djanogly added:
"This is not a campaign against the Conservative Party - we are not telling people not to vote Tory - what we need is answers from the Conservatives to the serious questions regarding the conduct and policies of their 'local boys', something they have manifestly failed to do until now."
The rally will be at Conservative Party HQ, 30 Millbank, London, SW1P 4DP, at 1330.
Notes to Editors:
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PREVIOUS DEMONSTRATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/notobikeparkingtax/sets/
VIDEOS OF THE PREVIOUS DEMONSTRATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ojosef
For further information on the campaign, quotes or photos, please contact Warren Djanogly, campaign chair, at:
chairman@notobikeparkingfees.com
Mobile: 07802 882 681
or Charlie Lort-Phillips (Press Spokesman) on:
07813 138 517
charlie@notobikeparkingfees.com/ charlielp@mac.com
1) The No To Bike Parking Fees protest group is the leading voice challenging the charges, and has enlisted the support of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, the Drivers’ Alliance, The British Motorcycle Federation, the Motorcycle Action Group, the AA, and thousands of bikers across the UK. Further information about the campaign can be found at www.notobikeparkingfees.com. To contact the TaxPayers’ Alliance, please contact Mark Wallace, Campaign Director of the Alliance, at:
Mark.wallace@taxpayersalliance.com
Mobile: 07736 009 548
2) Westminster City Council’s scheme involves a parking charge of £1 a day for every motorbike or scooter. To buy an annual parking pass now costs a minimum of £100.Since its introduction in August 2008, the parking tax has raised over £4million.
3) In the Conservative Party’s key document on economic policy, “Reconstruction: Plan for a Strong Economy”, published at the Conservative Party Conference in September 2008 and signed by David Cameron and George Osborne, the first pledge in the Conservative agenda for Tax Reform is “an end to stealth taxes.” This document can be read here: http://www.conservatives.com/~/media/Files/Downloadable%20Files/Reconstruction_-_Plan_for_a_strong_economy.ashx?dl=true
4) In a letter in March to a supporter of the campaign, Robert Goodwill, Conservative MP for Scarborough and Whitby and Shadow Transport Minister for Roads, said ““Please note that this is not a policy set by the Conservative Party nationally but a local policy decided by Westminster councillors. I hope that this will not be replicated widely".
5) In response to question 446/2009, Mayor Boris Johnson said about the parking tax: “I am keen to encourage the use of motorcycles in London, as evidenced by my recent announcement to allow motorcycles in bus lanes on the TLRN. I will ask TfL to discuss with Westminster as to whether the introduction of this payment has led to a reduction in the number of people using motorcycles in central London.”
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