Motorcylists 'victimised by garage remove helmets rule'

A Harley-Davidson rider says motorcyclists are being victimised by garages which operate a ‘remove helmets’ rule.

It follows an incident at Morrisons, in Holyhead Road, Coventry when staff refused to serve Barry Hadley, even though his full-face visor was up.

Barry, 63, of Earlsdon, says he would not mind if garages provided somewhere safe to put helmets, which can cost up to £500, while filling up or paying.

He said: “I stood there for a couple of minutes and thought there was something wrong with the pump.

“Then a message came over the Tannoy saying I had to remove my helmet, even though I always flip up the front.

“Why should I be classed as a thief because others are thieves?

“The manager said it was company policy, but if they want motorcyclists to remove helmets, provide a safe place to put them.”

In a letter to Barry, Morrisons said: “Legally we are required to be able to validate the minimum age for dispensing fuel and this can not be assessed adequately if riders keep their helmets on.”