LOCAL authorities are failing to provide secure parking for motorcyclists in Kent, according to a survey released by independent motorcycle insurance specialists Bennett.

The survey asked bikers to give their views on the importance of local facilities in helping to reduce theft.

An online survey conducted by Bennetts revealed that local authorities are not accommodating bikers, with more than 75 per cent of those surveyed at the website, www.bennetts.co.uk, claiming they don’t have access to a secure helmet park in their town or city centre.

Finding an effective place to secure a bike in congested town and cities is a daily problem faced by motorcyclists commuting around Kent, with many riders relying on helmet parks to secure helmets and accessories, which are expensive to replace and often a target for thieves.

Bennetts’ survey reveals two-thirds of motorcyclists surveyed believed the police are not doing enough to combat motorcycle theft in urban areas, where a £20,000 bike can be stolen off the street in 20 seconds.

The Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) has recently published a Motorcycle Parking leaflet aimed at giving local authorities advice on how to reduce theft by improving parking facilities for motorcyclists, but many riders are still faced with the problem of finding well-lit areas and an immovable object to which they secure their bike.

Bennetts recognises the shortage of secure parking and the problem of motorcycle theft in Think Ahead!, a free safety and security booklet, which can be obtained by sending a C4 size, sae, carrying 41p in postage to Think Ahead!, Catapault PR, 19a-20s Marsh Mill Village, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 4JZ. Call Bennetts on freephone 0800 056 3843.