DRIVERS are being threatened with fines after they used a loophole to park for free.
Motorcyclists in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland say they no longer feel welcome - despite parking in the same spot for years.
The group had been parking up on the footpath area beside the car park at the town’s harbour when they were threatened with fines.
They told Northern Ireland world: “We were out for a run around the coast and stopped off as usual in Ballycastle only to be told that two traffic wardens had moved all the bikes off the footpath area on the entrance to the car park, threatening £65 on the spot fines for anyone not moved in 15 minutes.”
The group have slammed the threats as “an insult” since the area designated for bikes to park in the car park were filled with cars.
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They added: “If the council wants the bikes moved, then have the decency to ensure wardens police the designated parking areas fairly.”
Martyn Boyd from Motorcycle Action Group Northern Ireland is now calling for the Causeway Coast and Glens Council to increase the amount of motorcycle parking available.
He said: "Motorcycling, as a form of personal transport, as a leisure pursuit and, of course, as a racing sport, has a long tradition in Northern Ireland.
“To be made to feel unwelcome in a popular place because of intransigent bureaucracy is simply insulting.”
A spokesperson for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “The car park at the marina in Ballycastle is Council-owned. Historically, it has not been a charged car park, therefore limited enforcement has taken place within it.
"There are currently four dedicated motorcycle parking bays within the car park. Council reminds motorists that these four bays are intended for motorcycle users only and should not be used for parking other vehicles such as cars.
"While the number of dedicated motorcycle parking bays in this car park cannot accommodate the large volume of motorcycle users who regularly visit this area, Council advises that motorcycle users are also free to use the car parking bays, which are available on a first come first served basis.”
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