Sheffield Motorcycle Centre (SMC) have started the online petition, approved by Derbyshire County Council, which requires 7,500 signatures to force a re-think and keep parking free on Matlock Bath’s North and South parades.
The village is one of the most popular destinations for bikers in the country, attracting thousands every month in summer, however, the council plans to bring in on-street parking charges for all vehicles on the North and South Parades, the areas usually full of bikes.
The plans are expected to have a negative impact on the local economy and local businesses have already voiced their concerns. Phil Kerry, owner of 800BC café, says the plans are “ridiculous; if we lose the bikes, business will fall dramatically”.
The county council claim they “have worked closely alongside the parish council to improve parking for businesses, residents and tourists”.
Phillip Taylor, marketing manager at SMC, told MCN, “The streets of Matlock Bath can be a great spectacle, attracting couples and families of all ages. We hope to get more recognition to protect the free parking on the parades and we are also thinking of doing a protest ride to raise awareness”.
You can sign the petition here.
I did it last night
But so far, no confirmation email
Which means that, until it arrives and I confirm that I'm "real"
My vote won't count
Have those who have posted above, had their "confirmations"
Because until they have, they are not counted either
It's making me wonder whether the council are "dragging their feet" deliberately
Or just being overwhelmed by the "flood" of responses
![Matlock Bath Bke Parking Charges Petition - Forums [Biker Match]](/images/backgrounds/strips/8mobileLQ.jpg)
![Matlock Bath Bke Parking Charges Petition - Forums [Biker Match]](/images/backgrounds/strips/8desktopLQ.jpg)
