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A Right Royal Parking Cock up
by Fentyke @ 02/06/2008 - 14:39:37

NXEC have really fucked up with this issue over where to park Motorcycles. I've recently learnt that the main reason NXEC wanted to move the motorcycle parking away from the area that was ticketed was because they received a very small number of complaints (perhaps as many as 2) from people who park their cars in the north car park. I seems that a very small number of motorcyclists were riding at high speed down the footpath to exit the station from the north car park. Quite rightly NXEC felt this was unsafe. They also pointed out that most people who parked in this area also had to ride on the very wide footpath to aceess the area which they also felt was unsafe.

However, since the ticketing fiasco most people now seem to be parking their bikes in designated area in the south car park. To access this area we now have to cross a very small and restricted part of the footpath which people who parked their car in the sth car park are using continuously. It seems to me that crossing this small footpath on a motorbike is considerably more dangerous to pedestrians that it was when we were using the large wide footpath by the north gate.

In addition to the dangers posed to pedestrians, it's clear that there isn't enough space to acomodate all the motorcyles anymore. Consequently many people are being forced to park their bikes just outside the designated motorcycle parking area and I'll lay odds that NXEC will start ticketing these people in the not too distant future. I'll also lay odds that NXEC will start to charge for motorcycle parking just as soon as they think they can get away with it.

Fuck em.

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Razor Ronnie [Visitor]

2008-06-04 @ 10:27

Having used the service with NXEC for a few months now I do think things are getting worse.
Time to return the railways to public ownersip and get rid of these scoundrels who fleece us on a daily basis.

badwolf [Visitor]

2008-06-04 @ 21:23

Yes razor i think that a lot of people would agree with you, but its never gonna happen, apart from the fact that a lot of franachises, like NXEC have been awarded and could be, if things go well (cough) for minimum of 7 years.

Also the fact with privitisation is that the government get money from these franchises, if they took them back they would have to pay for all of this themselves, and guess whowould end up paying for it...yup us.

central simon [Visitor]

2008-06-05 @ 14:14

badwolf, I think you miss the point.

There was a no-cost way that HM Govt. could take back the franchise. They simply don't renew in 7 years.

When Connex walked away from the South Eastern Franchise, South Eastern was operated by HM govt for a short time. In that time it not only ran the service as a profit (Connex wanted £millions more) it improved the service as well.

The simple facts are that HM Govt is spending more tax payer money on the railways than ever before. Fares have increased more than inflation. Rolling stock is getting older.

Let's be honest, as recent matters prove, NXEC aren't accountable to the user. At least BR was accountable and politicans, quite rightly, were kicked up the arse when BR failed. Who gets the kick up the arse at NXEC?

tired and bored [Visitor]

2008-06-05 @ 14:47

After reading with some amusement the tirade of abuse hurled at staff who have no influence over what was done, I just had to add a point on the naievity of stating that it is one or two people complaining about the motorcyclists speeding down the footpath, it is a lot more than that. It has not only been pedestrians but cyclists to, plus the issue has been going on for at least 5 years with more than small number of motorcyclists choosing to cause danger to others.

Just wanted to add this as it does seem to be a very one way street that this blog is heading down.

Oh and just a question are any of the motor cyclists paying for any of the parking areas provided? Just curious thats all.

FentykeFentyke [Member]
2008-06-05 @ 20:08

Thanks for your comment B&T. In answer to your question, I can't say I'd happily pay to park a motorcycle but I've yet to find anywhere that charges motorcycles to park so I guess the answer is no.

With regards to our comments about staff, perhaps if they were better able to handle their confontations with angry customers, the comments might be a little different. My dealings with station staff over this motorcycle parking thing was handled appaulingly by the 2 gentlemam I spoke too. Both gave a very clear impression that they couldn't give a shit what had happened or how angry I was. All they wanted to do was get rid of me, not calm me down and explain frankly and honestly what had happened and why. Like staff, most of us are reasonable people if treated reasonably. I know that's what you expect from customers and I hope you know that's what we expect from you. Like it or not us customers get upset and angry when we're treated unfairly and we react and post comments acordingly. If our experiences were better, I'm sure we wouldn't be quite so vocal about staff.

Whilst we do have few staff posting on here, most of the regulars are customers so they're in the minority. A few regulars take the piss and are often unjustifyably cruel and insulting towards them (Hey Ron), but I think they've sort of realised that most of the time they're just being goaded to react or it's some cyber knobhead geek raiding the site. And besides. It's a commuter blog so it's hardly surprising it's one sided, is it?

Finally, I'm not surprised to learn more than 2 people have complained. In my defence, I can only post what I learn from staff and other passenegers so you'll have to forgive me if I and others posting inaccuracies or things that aren't true. The fact is us customers find it very hard to find out what the truth is because NXEC and GNER before them are very good at keeping things to themselves. Going back to your question but staying on topic, somebody told me just today that a member of staff told him that NXEC have plans to start charging motorcycles to park. How are we to know if that's true? Another fella told me yesterday he was talking to another member of staff who asked how he'd feel if he we charged £5 per week to park his motorcycle? Put yourselves in our shoes for a moment and put these two tales together. Wouldn't you be suspicious of NXEC.

Chatting with other customers, I've yet to find 1 who thinks it would be reasonable for NXEC to charge motorcycles (and most I've spoken to are non-motorcyclists). Personally, I think it's inevitable that they'll do it at some point. All they want is to squeeze every last penny they can out of their customers and this is one way they can rake in a little bit more. I'd say maximum, there are 100 bikes at P'boro station each morning. So that's £100 a day, £5 days a week and multiply that by the number of stations NXEC run and you have the revenue they'll gain. In comparison to NXEC's revenues, it's a pittance really isn't it? If I were on the NXEC board, the question I'd be asking would be 'is the revenue worth the negative press and potential loss of revenue if customers decided to show their displeasure and switch TOC'?

I'd say the risk outways the benefit and here's why. NOBODY charges motorcycles to park. Unlike NXEC, councils provide free parking where it doesn't flood, there's plenty of room and bars that you can chain the bike too. I think (OK hope too) if they did start charging bikes, certainly the motorcycling press such as MCN, Ride & Bike would pick up on it. Given how government is trying to encourage more people to switch to more environmentally friendly forms of transport, I think there's every chance the nationals would too. I would certainly switch to FCC and chatting to others, I wouldn't be alone. Given the relatively low increase in revenue such a move would make, it will only take a small number of customers to switch and NXEC have less revenue than they did when it was free.

tired and bored [Visitor]

2008-06-06 @ 01:09

Thank you for honesty Fentyke, the only thing I have left to say with regard your comments about staff, is did it cross your mind that they may have been briefed to not get involved in anyway?

With regards to trying to get rid of you they do have numerous other duties to attend to, not least the despatch of trains and assistance to other passengers with their questions and needs.

Also as has already commented they had requested the bikes to be not ticketed so having had no joy there they would want to wash their hands of the whole fiasco?

Just a thought, no more no less.

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FentykeFentyke [Member]
2008-06-06 @ 14:29

At the time, no. In my defence I was firstly far too angry to be able to think or care about what staff may or may not have been told. As far as I was and probably am concerned, they are the face of NXEC at P'boro station and should be able to deal with most of the issues that occur. I appreciate they have other duties but when your a customer and your getting no satisfaction from the members of staff your dealing with, do you care what jobs they have to complete that day? I'd lay odds your answer will be no because your no different to me and in that situation, all you want is your complaint dealt with to your satisfaction as quickly and efficiently as possible. These guys couldn't/wouldn't even acknowledge that NXEC were wrong in their actions. It's a shame really but had they told me that they sympathised with my protests and explained how they tried to stop the manager concerned, I would have been far more understanding and less critical of them.

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badwolf [Visitor]

2008-06-06 @ 23:11

having looked at this situation now i am starting to get a bit annoyed because it seems what you rae trying to say is, that even though you parked your motorbike in an area which clearly has notices which tell you not to park there you totally igonre this, then when you eventually get a ticket, you go ranting and raving at the staff, who in your won words "are the frontline staff" of NXEC and should then have to calm and placate you, or even better telling a manager, "excuse me can you not ticket those bikes that are parked where they are not going supposed to or they will come shouting at me"

Look into all your workplaces im sure you all have managers, and like us you sometimes have to deal with wrong or shit descisions that are made, but as usual instead of go shouting at the person who issues the tickets you just see "NXEC person" and go shouting at them, and then you want empathy and understanding, get real, if id have been there id have walked away from you or told you to come back when you learn not to shout and holller, i dont shout at any passengers and i dont get paid enough to get balled at my some person who just blatantly ignores everything around them and just cruises around in their own little world.

if you were that concerened about where to park your bike why did you not then go to a member of staff and politely ask where then should i park my bike, rather than thinking "oh i will just park my bike where i want to just because i am a commuter who pays thousands of pounds a year to travel on trains" or is that too difficult, by your posting obviously not you seem to be able to communicate when you want to shout and holler at the staff.

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FentykeFentyke [Member]
2008-06-07 @ 13:27

Badwolf, your so wrong. We had every right to be angy because: -
At the time of the RAID
1. It was amigiguous what areas the 2 signs covered. As far as I could see, where the signs were located made it appear that you were not supposed to park on the footpath running down the side of the old Royal Mail buildings.
2. There were no signs warning people that they would be breaking byelaws if they parked there.
3. There were no signs warning what the penalty would be.
4. People have been parking motorcycles there with no complaints at all for 20+ years that I know of.
5. There is a shed clearly made for motocycle parking so without signage, it's only natural to assume that it would be ok to park a motorbike in shed made for motorcycle parking.
6. What NXEC did was possibly ilegal but definately imoral. A little warning was all that was required instead of the heavy hand treatment we got.

I think all of this is backed up in NXEC's climb down and agreement to cancel all the tickets issued. It certainly isn't a guesture of good will. They were wrong on all counts and they know it.

Had the events been as you described I'd agree you'd have a point. But with the above in mind and wether you like it or not, we had and have every right to be angry about the way we were treated by all employees of NXEC with whom a lot of us had the mispleasure to deal with on this issue that day. From the twat who'se idea it was, the prick who sanctioned it, to the knobhead who wrote the tickets, to the customer facing staff we spoke to on the subject. All handled the situation appaulingly. The only defence I'm prepared to take into account was that station staff were following orders and told to wash their hands of us (which they duely did very well indeed). If like some have said, they did try and stop the ticketing, that also count for something with me.

One final point. The only place if shouted and hollered is on here. I didn't shout or swear at anyones face. I've been around long enough to know that such actions gives the employee the right to end the conversation there and then. I kept my calm at all times whilst displying my anger and frustration with assertive and appropriate language. Perhaps if I had been shouting, I would feel that you'd be justified to handle the situation as you describe. But with what I've just told you, how would you have handled it.

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badwolf [Visitor]

2008-06-16 @ 16:40

How would i have handled it, by simply not parking in a space that says NO PARKING,and not make any assumptions, id have saved me assertive and appropriate breath and asked the staff where i could park.

Why would staff actually stop ticketing i mean can you imagine the conversation

"excuse me Mr Nxec manager could you not put tickets on those poor commuters bikes, as we don't want to get shouted at or slagged off all over the internet, by disgruntled members of the public"

I can see it working a treat

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Razor Ronnie [Visitor]

2008-06-06 @ 10:15

The operator is looking to squeeze every penny he can from the operation at the expense of the customer. The trains are dirty , over crowded and poor in most cases. The staff (some of the staff) would not even be employable in Macdonalds.

While on the subject has anyone noticed the number of public servants travelling First Class? Why are nurses travelling first class to attend conferences in London? Why are the rest of them travelling first class?

50% of our GDP now goes to the public sector, its a scandalous waste of resources.

This country is going to the dogs.

Before anyone says choose another form of transport, why the Fuck shoudl I when I have paid for this one several times over in my working life through subsidies taxes etc.

tired and bored [Visitor]

2008-06-09 @ 02:28

This is direct for Mr Razor Ronnie a gentleman who thinks he can call on any one else just because he doesn't like them or they do not meet his high standards. I wonder if he would be able to complete some of the testing that station staff have to complete to be passed out to do their job. He strikes me as the kind of gentleman who gives customers a bad name! He sounds rude and extremely arrogant. I wonder whether he has ever actually taken the time to speak civilly to any of the station staff?

Also out of interest I would like to know where he has developed his view that the staff would be un-employable by McDonalds? One wonders whether he would be able to cut it himself in a customer facing role. Though I've no doubt the staff at McDonalds take great delight in spitting in his burger if his attitude is half as arrogant, rude, self satisfied and demeaning as he comes across on here?

And yes dear Mr Razor Ronnie yourself I have no doubt you will no doubt send a verbal onslaught my way on here for daring to judge you from your delightfully written posts on here. No I will not meet you for what ever reason, I am an adult and don't resort to petty name calling, or meet me after school mentality which you have clearly demonstrated you still have.

Please before you write your no doubt witty response, take a few deep breaths and see if you can't see the world as a happy place with out the need for name calling and perpetual anger.

Enjoy your journies.

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Razor Ronnie [Visitor]

2008-06-09 @ 10:45

Dear Tired & Bored
Thank you for your communication which is most welcome.

My comments are not a figment of my imagination, they are borne of real life expereinces of talking to NXEC staff who I repeat I find extrmely think and incapable.

I think it unfair to compare them to Macdonalds employees as they actually try to be helpful and provide a good service.

Hear those words....helpful and service.

I suspect being an NXEC employee you may not know what they mean, so try buying a dictionary.

As your handle states tired and bored I expect you could do with some livening up.

Note I have controlled myself and not called you a Cunt!

Well done me!!

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badwolf [Visitor]

2008-06-12 @ 00:02

I do find it a bit shite that we all gvet lumped in togther as a whole, basically if one or 2 staff act as knobs then we are all tared with the same brush.

Which is like me calling you a cunt because i had a disagreement with another commuter.

There are some staff out there who do like to make the effort,and are flamming good at customer service, me included

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tired and bored [Visitor]

2008-06-10 @ 05:43

Dear Razor Ronnie, this will be my last input as I find it just to depressing to communicate with you.

Just have a read through your last post then decide who is thick, thats thick spelt with a T H I C and a K please note no N!!

Enjoy reading your dictionary as I believe you should read it first for your own spelling. Oh helpful hint, try proof reading first.

Enjoy your self

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Razor Ronnie [Visitor]

2008-06-10 @ 08:26

Cunt.

You know you are. Your to thick to even win an internet debate.

Back to checking tickets or cleaning the toilets fuckwit.

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tired and bored [Visitor]

2008-06-10 @ 20:37

How predictable, unable to defend his sloppy typing, spelling and intelligence so just swears instead.

You must have such a satisfying job and life!!!

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Razor Ronnie [Visitor]

2008-06-11 @ 08:06

And you said it would be your last input.....a real shame it was not your last breath you maggot.

Not fussed at all about spelling/grammar on here there is no need.

As for you Tired and Bored your handle describes you perfectly, or shoudl you call yourself

Old and Knackered ? Or how about

Poor and Penniless?

Or

Just another NXEC Wanker?

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FentykeFentyke [Member]
2008-06-11 @ 09:49

T&B, Your clutching at straws with that one mate. This is a blog not a fricking legal document. Like Ron said, spelling just isn't an issue here. And besides, I think it obvious to one and all that Ron is more than capable of spelling 'thick'. Take my advice and leave it.

Free Willy [Visitor]

2008-06-17 @ 10:24

Morning All...I'm new here an have read your comments and remarks with interest!!!

guys I live in laa laa land lol but come on why so much hostility between commuters and staff???

I agree there are quite afew knobs working for NXEC and in the same hand there are one or two commuters who can make our (staff) lives a misery. Lets be honest nothings perfect an NXEC certainlt isn't!!!

I don't believe in name calling and I guess I've probably served most of you guys on here at one time or another...hopefully with a smile on my face and a sence of humor (shud narrow it down a bit don't you think??? lol).

Oh yeah one last comment...the carparks a pile of shite, pay machines crap and who ever thought ticketing the bikes was a good idea is a total cretin and deserves to be put in stocks on platform 2 at Peterborough!!!!!!!

Happy Days...

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Razor Ronnie [Visitor]

2008-06-17 @ 12:07

Well Willy your comments do make sense.

I must say there are occasions when I do sympathise with the Staff as some of the passengers display signs of inbreeding and clearly should be caged.

Its a shame we cant vet the travellers.

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FreeWilly123FreeWilly123 [Member]
2008-06-29 @ 20:54

heard a rumor this week just gone...OK so we don't listen to rumors do we, however, it may have been confirmed in writing AND may have been left lying around where any old Tom Dick Harry or Freewilly could have seen an read it!!!!

Anyway its possible that the area near the carpark exit down by the Mayors Walk bridge, will be turned into a motor cycle park and no charges in the short term...cud get parking back up by the post office again too!!!!

Funny ol world aint it...

Happy Commuting Chaps

Razor Glass [Visitor]

2008-07-03 @ 12:57

Well Willy, I heard something similar. Don't know where you got the bit about free parking though, I heard that it was going to be for season ticket holders only and that they would have to pay an annual charge, dependent on the cc of their putt putts?

Suppose it would make sense in one respect, as the big hairy bikers machines take up a lot more space than the 'we are the mods' Quadrophenia fans on their retro Vespa's etc!

Just as a follow on thought;

If national express then chucked all the spotters out who park near the emergency gate, they could turn that area into a taxi rank reserved for carrying the two-wheel fans right up to the station door, save the little dears having to walk too far and missing their trains by 30 seconds.

FentykeFentyke [Member]
2008-07-04 @ 16:32

I've said it before and I'll say it again. It will be a brave move for any public company to charge Motorbikes to park.

That said, I've heard these rumours too but if you don't mind, I'll take them with a pinch. I've heard many rumours since I started commuting and most of them eventually turn out to be crap.

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