"Bikers' Triumph"..... By Kevin Portch.

The NoToMob bikers who supported the UCG Oxford Street demo have been told by Kevin Goad, head of Parking Enforcement at Westminster Council, that CCTV camera cars will no longer be used at a number of sites across the borough because of potentially illegal signage.


The bikers' campaign started because WCC wanted to charge £1 a day for parking their bikes in town. Lots of people say "It's only a quid, why not just pay it?". The answer is that if you agree to it in principle, then you can't moan when it goes up to £1 an hour, or £5 an hour or who knows what. That is why the bikers have taken this to the High Court, and are now appealing the decision that went against them on that first occassion. All done through donations from their runs, rallies and demonstrations.


The demo on Sunday which slowly made its way through Westminster for the best part of 2 hours with around 120 bikes is the second in a trilogy of rides, has hopefully raised more funds to help their cause, as well as getting plenty of support and raising awareness of what councils are getting away with without being challenged.


These guys are so well organised they have their own marshalls, their own ambulance at the back of the pack in case of any injuries to bikers or bystanders. Police weren't needed because they are aware of the peaceful nature of the protest.


The Wednesday morning and evening protests aren't getting much media attention, other than perhaps a "The bikers are at it again" mention on the London Traffic News. However, they won't go away. They are determined to fight on and on. More power to them.

That power could come from us, London's cab trade. What they are doing is not just for bikes. Challenging road signage is something our ranks and highways people should be on top of instantly. We all need to be questioning all of our trade reps (regardless of which organisation) as to why they weren't actioning these issues. So the bikers are helping us and every other motorist in London... FOR FREE.


We can help.


Support their demos.


Help their fighting fund.


Let them know if you see camera cars working the streets.


If a few bikes battling over £1 a day can have an effect, imagine what 25000 cab drivers could do. We have power, let's start to use it.