Motorbike owners may no longer have to stump up parking charges thanks to a new idea being floated in Basildon.

The idea was one of those discussed for the future of both on and off-street parking tariffs in the district at last night's central Basildon area committee.

Councillors were asked for their views on a report prepared on behalf of the council's environment committee proposing alterations to charges. The ideas include:

No parking charge for motorcycles, whose owners currently pay the same as car drivers

Increases in the cost of season tickets for off-street parking - up from £170 to £200 in Billericay, and from £160 to £180 in Basildon and Wickford

Increases in residents' parking scheme permits from £10 to £12

A nine per cent increase for excess penalty charges, from £55 (£27.50 if paid within 14 days) to £60 (£30 if paid within 14 days).

Council leader John Potter, who rides a 600cc motorbike, said: "This is a recognition of the fact that motorcycles are good for the environment - they use less petrol and less space, and they don't get hung up in traffic."

Members' views will be included in another report to the environment committee, which will then take a decision on what action to take.

By Kelly Clark

Reporter's e-mail: kellyc@notes.newsquest.co.uk

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.