Parking News - July 2024 - Issue 442

Life’s a beach! Sea, sand and sunset views from a car park in Croyde

Tackling Blue Badge fraud Report on the National Blue Badge Day of Action

Clean air or hot air?

Investing in members

BPA launches new City and Guilds Assured training

How effective are our environmental policies?

83% of parking app users would prefer to use one app across the UK*

www.RingGo.co.uk/open-market

Andrew Pester on continuing the work towards a smarter, sustainable future

Pace of change

It was great to see so many of you at BPA Live in Peterborough. It was the final leg of our tour of the UK, which has also taken in Leeds, Brighton and Bristol.

During the first half of the year, we have also held in-person meetings for members in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. We will return to the devolved nations again before the end of 2024, for the Parking Scotland Expo in Perth, in September, and Parking and Transport Wales Conference in Swansea, in October. New for this year, there is also the All-Ireland Parking Show in Dublin, in collaboration with the Irish Parking Association, on 21 November.

“The BPA will continue consulting with members and work with those elected to govern to help them understand the scale of the work needed to meet targets”

with members and work with those elected to govern to help them understand the scale of the work needed to meet targets. This includes the rollout of the National Parking Platform, which continues to gather pace.

Our members are working hard to bring down emissions by reducing the amount of driving and circling times to find parking spaces through apps and other technology solutions. They are also helping to grow the UK’s electric vehicle charging network.

Collectively, this demonstrates our commitment to delivering a programme of events that provides opportunities for members to network, gain knowledge, and learn about the latest developments in the sector.

At the time of writing, we are in the final days before the general election. Regardless of the colour and shape of our new government, the BPA will continue consulting

The BPA will continue to be at the forefront of these activities and, with the support of our parking community, drive change and standards to deliver greater consistency and a better, smarter, more sustainable parking experience.

Thank you for your tremendous support.

Andrew Pester

BPA chief executive

andrew.p@britishparking.co.uk

The long view

Louise Parfitt is looking ahead

This issue will be with you just before the general election – so, within a few days, we’ll know a little more about the future direction for the country. Of course, it will be more time until details are known, so, yet again, the parking sector waits for developments, including on the Parking (Code of Practice) Act. However, it is still important to have up-to-date data to hand, so if you are an AOS member, please fill in the BPA census this month (pages 26-27). It will help inform responses to the next government consultation, when that happens.

Meanwhile, three of Scotland’s lowemissions zones began enforcement last month (see page 6). In our lead feature, Sarah Juggins explores policies and processes designed to clean up our air, including parking’s role in reducing emissions (pages 12-16).

I caught up with Tom Gallagher, founder of the National Blue Badge Day of Action, which was back for its third year in May. A record number of local authorities took part, with more than 10,000 badges inspected. Gallagher also talks about the next steps in his work to

combat Blue Badge fraud, and the inspiration for his dedication to this work (pages 18-19).

We head to the United Arab Emirates for our global view of the parking world (pages 22-23), and visit a car park closer to home that boasts a ‘sunset parking’ field, in our series celebrating car parks (pages 20-21). If you think your car park deserves its moment in the spotlight, please do get in touch. If there is anything you wish to see featured in the magazine, or have any stories to share, send them to: louise.parfitt@cplone.co.uk

The

and how the IPMI supports its

BPA

Sarah

Kelvin

Louise

Louise

Parking News is published by the British Parking Association

Editorial and design: CPL One 1 Cambridge Technopark, Cambridge CB5 8PB T: 01223 378000 cplone.co.uk

Editor: Louise Parfitt

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We would like to remind our readers that the views expressed by any contributor to Parking News are not necessarily those of the British Parking Association or Parking News, (the editor, the editorial panel or the board). Contributions and adverts are published in good faith and no responsibility or liability will be accepted, either for their contents or accuracy, or for any action taken as a result of anything contained in Parking News.

Half of all UK transport emissions come from just one in five people, report reveals

New analysis by think-tank IPPR reveals that the climate crisis is fuelled by a few ultra-wealthy individuals in Britain.

The report finds that the transport system reflects wider inequalities in society, with the highest earners the highest polluters. People with an income of more than £100k travel at least double the distance each year of those earning under £30k. The worst polluting 10 per cent of the population are responsible for four-tenths (42 per cent) of all transport emissions.

The research also finds that men are more likely to be high emitters than women. People from a non-white British ethnicity and also those from more deprived neighbourhoods tend to travel significantly less and emit less greenhouse gas.

The UK has made limited progress over the past three decades in reducing emissions from transport, which is now the country’s largest-emitting sector.

The report states that to decarbonise transport in the UK, the government must improve public transport, boost active travel and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.

■ Read the report at bit.ly/PNJul24RR

Full enforcement for all four of Scotland’s LEZs

All four of Scotland’s largest cities are now fully enforcing low emission zones (LEZ). The significant public health intervention restricts the access of the most polluting vehicles in order to protect health, improve air quality and support a shift towards more sustainable transport.

LEZs were introduced across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow on 31 May 2022. Glasgow began enforcing its LEZ on 1 June 2023, while grace periods applied in the other three cities before enforcement began on 1 June 2024 in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, and 30 May 2024 in Dundee.

In an update to the Scottish Parliament, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop referenced the latest research from the University of Dundee, demonstrating that respiratory admissions in children were significantly associated with elevated levels of air pollution. The statement outlined the support provided to help those who need

it most with the cost of the transition to compliant vehicles and to shift to more sustainable forms of transport. Parliament was informed about the LEZ exemptions for Blue Badge holders.

Hyslop said: ‘The work behind the scenes in undertaking the detailed assessment and design of the LEZs has been under way for a long time. We acknowledge the move to LEZs will mean that owners of high-polluting older vehicles will have to take action to avoid receiving penalty charge notices. Whether that means switching to a cleaner vehicle, to more sustainable transport options, or varying their route – the effect is that only the owners of the most polluting vehicles are inconvenienced. [This] pales in comparison to the life-changing impacts of harmful air pollution.’

■ For more on clean air initiatives, including LEZs and clean air zones, see our lead feature on pages 12-16.

Data shows reduction in road casualties in Wales

Latest road collision data shows that in the last quarter of 2023, road casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads in Wales reduced by 218, from 681 in 2022 to 463 in 2023.

The total number of casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads in Q4 was the lowest quarterly figure on record outside the Covid pandemic period.

Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for North Wales and Transport, said: ‘The data clearly shows that casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads have reduced since the introduction

of 20mph. We’ve still got a way to go, and we expect numbers to fluctuate over the next few years as drivers adjust to the new speed, but it’s encouraging to see that things are moving in the right direction.

‘The principal objective of the policy has always been to reduce casualties and help people feel safer in their communities. Today’s data reinforces we’re on the way to achieving this. But, as I continue on my listening programme [visiting communities to get feedback on the new speed limit], I am

aware that we still need to refine the policy to ensure we have the right speeds on the right roads and acknowledge that some roads may need to revert back to 30mph. I encourage people to get in touch with their local council to tell them where they think 20mph should and should not be targeted.’ See gov.wales/ police-recorded-road-collisions

The Welsh government is revising the exception guidance that highway authorities use to decide which roads should be 20mph. It is due to be published later this month.

3ti supports expansion of Surrey’s EV fleet

3ti, a designer, installer, funder and operator of solar car parks (SCPs), has completed the installation of a ‘Papilio3’ pop-up SCP and electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Surrey County Council (SCC)’s Depot Centre in Guildford. Opened on 4 June, the latest installation will support the council’s transition to electrified fleets.

Papilio3 is uniquely designed around a recycled shipping container, giving it the ability to be easily transported and lifted into place. The project underscored the speed, adaptability and versatility of Papilio3 for spacerestricted areas. It also demonstrated the 3ti team’s skill in overcoming uneven terrain at the site.

ubitricity continues Camden EV operation

Chargepoint operator ubitricity has been chosen by Camden London Borough Council to assume responsibility for the ongoing operation and maintenance of 92 chargepoints across the borough. This follows the expiration of the council’s existing Go Ultra Low City Scheme contracts with Siemens.

The move, part of the council’s Electric Vehicle Charging Point Action Plan, provides ubitricity, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell, with a 12-month contract to align the borough’s EV charging infrastructure ahead of a new operation and maintenance tender later in 2024.

RingGo research reveals match day woes

New data from RingGo into the driving experiences of UK football fans has revealed that more than one-third consider finding somewhere to park a key stressor. The survey of 3,000 fans reveals that 34 per cent have had to spend more than 15 minutes searching for a space on match days.

Evolt launches new system to accelerate the rollout of rapid EV charging

Electric vehicle (EV) charging business Evolt Charging has launched a new dynamic load management (DLM) system. This optimises the distribution of energy between its EV chargers and enables chargepoint operators (CPOs) to install additional rapid and ultra-rapid charging units at existing sites without the need to secure additional energy capacity. By optimising power distribution, charging speeds are maximised, waiting times are reduced and the overall customer experience of using the CPO’s network is improved.

Evolt Charging currently has more than 15,000 Evolve AC and Raption (rapid or ultrarapid DC) chargers installed across seven UK networks, including Osprey, MFG, Be.EV and SSE Energy Solutions.

Anne Buckingham, managing director of Evolt Charging, said: ‘With more EVs on the road there is now greater demand, and CPOs want to avoid drivers having to wait – or worse, going elsewhere. Our new DLM system gives them the key to unlock the potential of existing sites without the pain and cost of securing additional power from the grid.’

When it comes to simultaneous EV charging, the DLM system optimises the power distribution from all of the chargers on the local network based on vehicle demand. This demand can vary significantly depending on each vehicle’s maximum charge rate and battery percentage when charging. The DLM systems recognises unused capacity at one charger and distributes it to another, allowing other vehicles to charge at an optimal rate.

The DLM system manages the energy load of Evolt’s chargers dynamically, prioritising the DC over AC products to ensure efficient charging for drivers. Evolt’s DLM system can also be integrated with building energy management systems so that surplus energy from across the wider site can be shared with the EV charging infrastructure when it isn’t required.

Buckingham added: ‘We know CPOs want to develop and expand upon existing sites but the need to increase power capacity – and the costs and time its takes to do so – can be a significant barrier to adding more chargers, or to upgrading from AC to DC units. But that no longer needs to be the case.’

More London partnerships for APCOA

APCOA has been awarded a new parking services contract with the London Borough of Wandsworth, beginning on 1 August. The contract centres around on-the-ground enforcement of the borough’s parking regulations by APCOA civil enforcement officers (CEOs) who will contribute towards the council’s focus on sustainability by covering the borough on foot or using an all-electric fleet of e-bikes, e-scooters and EVs.

CEOs will address high-polluting incidents of engine idling by informing drivers of the environmental impact and will also carry portable air-monitoring devices, gathering data to inform the council’s ongoing focus on improving air quality for its 329,000 residents.

They will also enforce parking regulations, put in place to keep traffic moving safely and to ensure that parking is fair and equitable for both residents and visitors.

APCOA has also been awarded the parking enforcement contract for the London Borough of Richmond. From August, APCOA CEOs will be responsible for enforcement of controlled parking zones (CPZs) to make the borough safer for pedestrians and accessible to emergency and refuse vehicles at all times.

New products from JustPark

JustPark has announced three new products that have been designed to deliver clarity and efficiency, in addition to optimising revenue opportunities.

The new product suite, which has been in development for some time, has been accelerated and enhanced following JustPark’s recent merger with ParkHub, a leading North American provider of parking management software and payment solutions.

■JustPark Insights is a state-of-the-art business insights tool that provides comprehensive data analysis for parking operators.

■ JustPark Reach is an advanced customer relationship management tool that allows operators to engage with customers through offers, information and surveys.

■ JustPark Optimize is an automated tariff management solution that leverages AI to dynamically adjust pricing based on demand, events and peak times.

Jonathan Hampson, JustPark CCO, said: ‘Our new product suite gives us more ways to support our partners with innovative technology. Whether it is strengthening loyalty and driving repeat usage, access to vital data that allows operators to make informed decisions or taking the guesswork out of pricing.’

Yunex Traffic delivers new system for

TfL

Yunex Traffic’s next-generation hosted urban traffic control (UTC-UX) system is now operating across London, delivering Transport for London’s ambitious real time optimiser (RTO) programme. The huge rollout of this solution effectively replaces TfL’s existing, ageing system.

Carl Eddleston, TfL’s director of network management and resilience, said: ‘London’s road network plays a vital role in enabling millions of journeys each day and we’re determined to ensure that people can walk, cycle, take the bus and drive as safely and efficiently as possible. This world-leading new traffic management system will be a gamechanger. It will use new data sources to better manage our road network, tackle congestion, reduce delay for people choosing healthier travel options and improve air quality.’

■ Yunex Traffic has entered a strategic partnership with Lifeskills, a pioneering organisation dedicated to equipping young people with essential skills for navigating the challenges of adulthood. This collaboration will help strengthen the impactful work of Lifeskills’ safety tour, which provides a vital platform for delivering essential road safety messages to young people.

PayByPhone gives drivers additional peace of mind

PayByPhone has launched PayByPhone Protect, an in-app feature in conjunction with Chubb – a world leader in insurance – to insure personal items and car windows against theft and damage during parking sessions.

PayByPhone Protect provides drivers with additional insurance coverage in just two additional clicks when parking. This insures the contents – whether on the passenger or back seats, in the boot or glove box – and side and rear windows of the car for the duration of their parking session up to £2,000 per claim. There is no excess and doesn’t add any cost to the driver’s existing motor insurance. The cost

of the insurance is based on the duration of the parking session. If a claim needs to be made, it can be done via the Chubb online portal. Adam Dolphin, UK managing director for PayByPhone, said: ‘Our plan is to be much more than just a parking payment app. This

aligns with our ethos of simplifying the journey for our users, allowing them to focus on what matters most. With PayByPhone Protect, we are giving them peace of mind every step of that journey, wherever it takes them.’

■ PayByPhone has announced the appointment of Jean-Pierre LeBlanc as chief technology officer. LeBlanc joins PayByPhone from Pagefreezer, and brings more than 20 years’ executive experience from renowned global companies in the software and mobile marketplaces including Borland, Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent.

Brentwood Borough Council increases EV charging points

Brentwood Borough Council, in collaboration with Believ, has increased the number of EV charging points in the borough, marking a significant step in the council’s commitment to enhance accessibility.

The council has introduced 22 additional chargers at two key sites: Chatham Way Car Park and King George’s Playing Fields.

The scheme is part of the council’s climate change pledge. It is designed to support residents and visitors and encourage greater take up of electricpowered vehicles, as the government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2035 gets closer.

Celebrating with stories

This year, Colchester City Council – the lead authority in the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) – is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of staff stories.

One recent story featured parking operations manager Lisa Hinman, who has been working for NEPP for more than 20 years. She describes her career journey and what working for NEPP means to her and her team.

Hinman said: ‘When I joined the council, I was a civil enforcement officer and now I lead the whole team of officers who work for NEPP. Our aim is to ensure the flow of traffic as safely as possible.

‘Sadly, part of my role involves supporting officers who are abused verbally and sometimes physically while carrying out their duties. However, they continue to conduct their roles to provide this important service to the communities.

‘I work with a great bunch of dedicated people and I really enjoy the diversity of each day, and the ability to have a positive impact on our service.’

Read more at bit.ly/PNJul24CC

Edinburgh EV charger network extended for car club users

Seventy-two new electric vehicle (EV) charging bays are being installed by Edinburgh City Council, to be used by the local authority’s current car club provider, Enterprise Car Club.

Transport Scotland has given the council funding for the new bays. The first phase of 20 chargers (40 charging bays) has been installed, with the rest set to be rolled out by the end of this year, allowing Enterprise Car Club to provide its biggest electric car club fleet for a single local borough or council in the UK.

As well as benefiting existing members, the new car club chargers and EVs provide opportunities for new users to try out and use Evs without needing to own their own vehicle. This offers significant cost savings to users, as well as helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality within Edinburgh, as car club vehicles are compliant within the low emission zone .

The council has delivered more than 100 EV chargers since 2022, with funding from Transport Scotland and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles. This rollout is designed to encourage and support the take-up of cleaner, low-emission EVs.

Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener, said: ‘It’s great to see that we have extended the network of EV chargers across Edinburgh to include

car club users in the city. Residents now have access to this modernised, cleaner and even more environmentally friendly form of cost-effective electric mobility.

‘Motor transport contributes significantly to carbon emissions, and the switch to more sustainable transport is essential to achieving the city’s Net Zero target. The new chargers and vehicles also align with our City Mobility Plan to improve our transport system to make it cleaner and more sustainable, and create safe, attractive, and healthy streets and spaces for people to walk, wheel and cycle in, and enjoy.’

■ Edinburgh began enforcement of its low emission zone (LEZ) at the beginning of last month (see page 6).

Arthur said: ‘This is an important part of our ambitious plans to achieve net zero, encourage sustainable growth, cut congestion, and improve air quality, among other commitments to create a safer and more people-friendly city as we accommodate up to 37,000 new homes in the coming decade. By excluding the most-polluting vehicles from the zone, the LEZ will play a central role in lowering harmful emissions, which negatively affect our health and wellbeing.’

Middlesbrough joins day of action

Civil enforcement officers (CEOs) and fraud investigators at Middlesbrough Council worked together to crack down on and help detect Blue Badge abuse as part of the National Blue Badge Day of Action.

The event on 24 May saw more than 100 councils from across the country take part to help tackle Blue Badge misuse.

Veritau – the organisation that investigates fraud on behalf of the council – teamed up with CEOs to check Blue Badges were being used lawfully. Fifty-three were checked, with two tickets issued for parking contraventions. Officers said the day was successful and reaction from most members of the public was very positive.

Oxford freezes park and ride fares

The price of a joint ticket for parking and bus travel at Oxford’s park and ride facilities has been frozen for another year.

Proactive days of action are an opportunity for councils to make sure that Blue Badges are being used correctly. Badges are identified by the CEOs, with fraud officers contacting the owner to ensure that the use is appropriate.

Janet Thompson, executive member for community safety at Middlesbrough Council, said: ‘The rules around using Blue Badges are very clear and I’m pleased that we take action to ensure they are being used correctly. It’s in the interests of people who need to use a Blue Badge, and indeed all road users, that this work takes place.’

■ Also see the feature on pages 18-19.

The combined ticket, which offers parking for 16 hours plus return bus travel, will stay at £4 for a car with one adult, or £5 for a car with two adults, until April 2025. Up to three children under 16 can travel for free.

Joint ticketing, which is now a permanent feature at the five park and ride sites, was introduced by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach in 2022.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport management, said: Joint ticketing has proved to be extremely popular and it is great news that the prices are staying the same for another year. More people on the buses means fewer cars on the road, less congestion and less pollution.’

Council engages with community groups on pavement parking legislation

East Lothian Council has contacted community councils and area partnerships about pavement parking restrictions. Since December 2023, the default position has been that parking on pavements (which includes partly on pavements), double parking and parking at lowered kerbs is unlawful throughout Scotland, under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.

East Lothian Council invited community councils and area partnerships to provide

feedback by the end of June on whether they feel an Exemption Order might be appropriate for any roads in their areas. This feedback will inform a detailed assessment by council officers.

John McMillan, cabinet spokesperson for environment, said: ‘Parking on pavements, double parking and parking at lowered kerbs can create safety and accessibility issues. It particularly affects those with visual or physical impairments or mobility issues.’

Reduced parking in Derry and Strabane until 2025

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business and Culture Committee has been informed of reduced parking capacity in Derry’s city centre to accommodate planned major infrastructure works and public realm schemes.

The council is currently responsible for 29 off-street car parks. There are a number of planned schemes in the city centre that require either temporary closure or reduced parking capacity in four of them. It is anticipated that all schemes will be completed by December 2025.

Users of the car parks are being directed to alternative car parks servicing the city centre for the duration of the schemes. It is hoped that reduced parking capacity may encourage residents to use sustainable modes of transport and reduce use of cars.

Redbridge Council warns of scam

The London Borough of Redbridge has been informed that fraudulent QR code stickers soliciting payment have been displayed on some parking infrastructure in Redbridge.

Council officers are removing the stickers as quickly as possible. The council has been informing the public not to scan the QR codes, reminding them that the ways to pay for parking are through the RingGo app, calling the phone number, or using the nearest PayPoint retailer.

Aberdeen trials £1 evening parking fares

Visitors to Aberdeen’s city centre can now park in council car parks for just £1 after 5pm.

The six-month trial was agreed as part of the council’s budget earlier this year. The move is aimed at boosting footfall in the city centre where work is under way to transform the central section of Union Street.

A report on the six-month trial will be brought back to council in due course.

A weighty issue

Sarah Juggins investigates policies that plan to deliver clean air

There are clearer skies over Bristol city centre. No, this is not a weather report, but rather a summary of changes that have taken place in the city since it was identified in November 2021 –by environmental law charity Client Earth – as one of the most heavily polluted cities in the UK in terms of air quality.

The damning report, citing figures released by the government, claimed that air pollution in Bristol was well above legal limits and was contributing towards 300 deaths per year. As a result, Bristol was one of a number of cities directed to improve air quality under the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU). It introduced its clean air zone (CAZ) in November 2022. Other cities in England included in the JAQU recommendations were Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside.

In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan has been the face of the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) scheme since it was first implemented in 2019.

And just last month in Scotland, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen all began enforcement of their low-emission zones (LEZs), while Glasgow began enforcement of its LEZ last year (see pages six and 10-11).

Last month also marked Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest air pollution campaign.*

Aims and evidence

The aims of CAZs and LEZs are to cut vehicleproduced emissions in urban areas, cleaning the air of harmful toxins such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other mobile source air toxics (also known as particulate matter).

Evidence suggests it is working: in the capital, it is estimated that ULEZ has led to a cumulative reduction of 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2019.**

In Birmingham, pollution levels have shrunk by 40 per cent since a CAZ was introduced in 2021. It is a similar scenario in all the areas that have introduced emission reduction schemes in recent years.

Cleaner air, fewer respiratory illnesses, lower-emitting vehicles on the streets –it would appear to be nothing but good news. However, the schemes are not universally popular.

Some of the arguments are coherent. By introducing a clean air zone, is the problem simply being pushed to a neighbouring area? As the majority of vehicles that emit high levels of pollutants are owned by people in a lower socio-economic bracket – delivery drivers, tradespeople – is this a tax on the less well-off?

The strident cries of ‘it’s a war on motorists’ are not so coherent, coming as they do from the right-leaning media and people intent on maintaining their right to drive where they like and drive whatever vehicle they like.

Diminishing opposition

However, there are signs that the vast majority of people see the schemes as a positive, and that the anti-lobby might be loud – but it is a minority. Take as evidence the recent London mayoral election that had ULEZ at its front and centre. Khan won convincingly, suggesting that his pledge ‘to enable Londoners to breathe clean air’ is hitting home.

While the scheme in Glasgow also attracted a sizeable amount of opposition in its early days, particularly from business leaders who felt the emissions levels were dropping before the LEZs came into force, LEZs in the other cities seem to be getting a fairer hearing. Indeed, figures released by City of Edinburgh Council suggest 60 per cent of people are supportive of LEZs.

Transport and Environment Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, councillor Scott Arthur, said in a recent press release about the LEZ: ‘I’m proud that we’ve reached this important milestone in our journey to become a healthier, greener, and more sustainable city. For the past two years we’ve run a positive information campaign to give people time to get ready for the LEZ, and to make sure they avoid penalties once enforcement begins.

‘We have ambitious plans to achieve net zero, accommodate sustainable growth, cut congestion, and improve air quality, among other commitments to create a safer and more people-friendly city; the LEZ is a key component of these.’

Local support scheme

Back in Bristol, three years on from Client Earth’s report, and the current Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, is celebrating cleaner air in the city. The scheme has been running in Bristol for 18 months and monitoring suggests that the scheme is delivering its ambition of cleaning up traffic-related pollutants in the air.

Taking the city as a whole, there is 10 per cent less nitrogen dioxide in the air and 13 per cent lower NO2 in the local authority-imposed CAZ, which covers just over 1.18 square miles

“In the capital, it is estimated that ULEZ has led to a cumulative reduction of 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2019”

“We have always said to government that the mandated CAZ is not enough to reduce air pollution”

in the city centre. Outside the Bristol Royal Infirmary and Children’s Hospital, this figure increases to a 20 per cent reduction in NO2

To achieve these improvements, Rees says the authorities use a ‘blunt instrument’. Cars that don’t comply with emission standards are fined a daily charge to enter the CAZ (or ULEZ in London). This is currently £9 in Bristol and £12.50 in London. Vans and lorries pay significantly more, depending on the type of emissions they discharge.

Rees reports that £2 of the £9 charge goes directly to Westminster, but he also explains that Bristol City Council negotiated a support package from the national government that allowed the local authority to support residents and businesses to upgrade their vehicles so they were compliant with emission zones. There has also been an increased uptake of funding support among residents and businesses. These include bus tickets, bike loans, car club vouchers and cycle training.

A blunt instrument

It may be a ‘blunt instrument’, but there is little doubting the impact. Bristol City Council reports that ’82 per cent of vehicles are now compliant’. What this doesn’t explain is whether the vehicles are compliant with the emission standards, or whether the drivers are compliant when it comes to paying charges. Meanwhile, in Portsmouth, there are calls for more action. The feeling among local authority leaders is that, while 94 per cent of monitored areas comply with air quality standards, there are still areas where significant high pollution figures are being recorded.

Quoted on the Cleanerairportsmouth.co.uk website, Councillor Vernon Jackson, cabinet member for transport, said: ‘We have always said to government that the mandated CAZ is not enough to reduce air pollution. The

recent funding for better bus travel, improved walking and cycling routes and zero emissions buses is a start, but far more is needed to ensure Portsmouth prospers and we protect the health of people in our city.’

Parking targets heavy polluters

While LEZs and CAZs are grabbing the headlines, many local authorities are following a growing trend to introduce their own emissions-based parking charges. In the London Borough of Greenwich, transport was responsible for 31 per cent of CO2 emissions. To counter this, the local authority introduced changes to its parking charges so that motorists with more polluting vehicles pay almost three times as much as those with cleaner cars. The charges vary based on location, emissions and payment method.

The Greenwich initiative aims to encourage residents and businesses to use more

environmentally friendly ways of travelling, such as walking, cycling or public transport. It is joined by Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Lambeth and Croydon, which all have their own emissions-based parking charge system.

Outside London, Bath and North-East Somerset Council is another local authority using emission-based car parking charges to try to prompt behaviour change.

Assessing the impact of higher charges for higher-polluting vehicles Andy Dunn, team manager for parking services says: ‘While determining if these new charges, which were implemented in September 2023, have impacted air quality is very difficult due to a range of complexities and other influences, we can look at the charges applied. Prior to their introduction, our analysis indicated that 36 per cent of vehicles would not pay a higher charge (they were petrol or electric vehicles and within the 0-130g/km of CO2 emitted).

We currently supply and have vacancies around the UK for Permanent and Temporary positions:

• Civil Enforcement Officers

• Environmental Enforcement Officers

• Parking Back Office (Appeals/Notice Processing /Correspondence)

• Parking Change Management

• Interim Parking Managers

• Car Park Attendants/Marshalls/Stewarding

• Parking Supervisors (Both Enforcement and Back Office)

• Parking Management (Both Enforcement and Back Office)

• Heads of Parking /Directors

• Parking Technologies (Business Development and Project Managers/ Field Service Engineers/General Managers)

• Off Street Parking (Business Development, Contract Managers and Regional Managers)

• CCTV Operators – SIA and BTEC qualified

Looking for staff or need employment?

Please contact our experienced team on:

Tel: 0203 668 5680

Email: parking@unity-recruitment.co.uk Web: www.unity-recruitment.co.uk

“... the air pollution is three times higher in a car than on the pavement”

Our data now shows that 46 per cent of vehicles fall within this band and are paying our lowest charge.’

Despite the cacophony surrounding it, this very perfunctory approach to achieving cleaner air in our cities not only seems to be working, but it is also gaining in popularity. We wait to see what provision – via funding and policies – the next government will bring to councils in the transition to reduce vehicle pollution. It seems the population may not be as wedded to their emission-snorting vehicles as some sections of politics and media would have us believe.

* bit.ly/PNJul24CA

** london.gov.uk

A quick fix

Jill Belch OBE is professor of vascular medicine at the University of Dundee and a leading Scottish expert on air pollution. Not only is she hugely in favour of the introduction of LEZs, but she also predicts that the health benefits will be seen within two years.

‘For those who may be a little concerned [about the imposition of LEZs], it’s important to remember that if you drive a non-compliant car, then you are polluting – and not just the pavement. You’re actually polluting yourself and your family, because the air pollution is three times higher in a car than on the pavement.’

Dundee City Council’s climate, environment and biodiversity convener, Heather Anderson, is in agreement with Belch: ‘The public health benefits of the LEZ are clear. The measures taken in introducing this scheme benefit children, older people, those with existing underlying health problems, and everyone who breathes in the cleaner air.

‘Since the LEZ first came into being in Dundee [in May 2022], at the start of the two-year grace period, we have seen improvements in air quality due to the behaviour change of those who have taken proactive measures ahead of enforcement coming in.’

Blue Badge Day of Action

Ongoing inspiration

The third Blue Badge Day of Action took place on 24 May, with 142 councils taking part, the highest number yet. Louise Parfitt catches up with Tom Gallagher, the organiser of the day and parking fraud investigations manager at the London Borough of Lambeth, to find out more

‘The day was fantastic. We had 124 councils get involved, which is up on last year’s figures of 82. It’s really great that they’re all standing up for disabled motorists. The data from the Department for Transport’s Blue Badge checker shows there’s around 5,000 Blue Badge checks on an average day. On the Day of Action, we had just under 11,000 – so more than 100 per cent increase.’

I first spoke to Tom Gallagher last year, after the second Blue Badge Day of Action to find out about the event. It started in 2022 as a Londonwide initiative, and last year went national. His passion and dedication to ensuring fair and appropriate use of the scheme is as strong as ever.

‘This is not a victimless crime. People receive Blue Badges for genuine reasons, and they need the accessibility that the badge provides. Taking that away from someone is so incredibly selfish. The only way you can be sure those spaces are there for those who rely on them is through enforcing and prosecuting misuse.’

What the data tells us

Gallagher is well aware of the effort it takes to get teams on the frontline out checking badges, particularly at a time when budgets are stretched and officers have other demands on their time. As well as the moral imperative, he also emphasises the fiscal benefits to local authorities of checking Blue Badges. ‘Effective enforcement leads to optimised parking space turnover, increased revenue from both on-street and off-street parking, and fosters compliance while deterring future misuse, which then reduces enforcement costs,’ he says.

There were 182 misused Blue Badges taken off the streets of the UK during the event on 24 May, which Gallagher says is absolutely fantastic. ‘We also had 29 vehicles towed away, which may not seem like a lot, but removing vehicles can be a logistical challenge for councils, so actually that number is quite high.’

In terms of the offences, Gallagaher says there has been a rise in cases of people misusing badges – such as using a family member’s badge when they are not using the vehicle – which was the biggest offence this year. There is also a high level of stolen badges in circulation. Next on the list is people using badges that have been reported lost.

‘Early analysis of the data that I have received so far from participating councils about the number of offences they detected shows that there is a sizeable issue across the whole country,’ he says.

Public attitude

In general, Gallagher says that councils have been overwhelmingly positive about the results they saw from the day, with many promoting their efforts on their own social media platforms (see pages 10-11 for an account from Middlesbrough).

Only one had council reported an unpleasant incident where a civil enforcement officer was verbally abused. ‘Although that is one incident too many, I think it is worth highlighting that in three years of doing this, it’s the first instance of abuse during the day that I’ve been made aware of. I think this shows that the public are behind our efforts to ensure fair and appropriate use of the Blue Badge.’

Ongoing project

While Gallagher is delighted by the enthusiasm and commitment on the day, he does not want this to become just a once-a-year activity. He has plans for how the day can be built on.

‘I want to engage with councils to get some further feedback in a few months times about what happened with the offenders they identified, because I know a number of the councils won’t have the infrastructure internally to investigate or prosecute people who misuse the badge. Then maybe we can have an autumn event, too, just to keep the focus on Blue Badges and the additional support some might need to take

Twenty-nine vehicles were removed

the next step in prosecuting those who abuse the system.’ In the background, Gallagher is also working on a new outer-London council process (London councils benefit from additional powers under the London Authorities Act when it comes to Blue Badge enforcement) to support councils in their enforcement of Blue Badges.

‘My next project is to work with the councils around what action they take against the offenders they identify. Because once you start taking the appropriate action, you start increasing compliance and you actually really start benefiting the disabled community. So that’s an exciting stage to move forward to.’

At Parkex, the day before the day of action took place, someone quipped to Gallagher, ‘When are you going international?’

Gallagher smiles, ‘I thought to myself, actually that’s not a bad idea. Let’s get the European Parking Association involved and see where we can take this.’

■ Read last year’s article at bit.ly/PNJul24DA

To find out more about the day, get in touch with Tom Gallagher at tgallagher@lambeth.gov.uk

*Data was in from 125 councils at time of writing

‘He’s the fuel to my fire’

‘I grew up seeing first-hand how vitally important a Blue Badge was,’ explains Gallagher. ‘My brother Joe is autistic and profoundly deaf, and my mum was registered disabled, too. I love my brother; Joe is my ongoing inspiration and he’s the fuel to my fire to keep on going. Showing the human side behind the National Blue Badge Day of Action is important because it motivates more people to get involved when they see what the impact that having a Blue Badge can have on people’s lives.

‘One thing that has really stood out is the number of people who have messaged me to say what this means to them or one of their team or their community on a personal level.’

Gallagher with a colleague during the day of action

Tom Gallagher (left) with his brother Joe

Bay watch

Louise Parfitt hears about a car park with a view… and a café, surf shop, festival field, campsite and the best Sri Lankan curry in the South West

ur car park is amazing! It’s only 150m from Croyde beach; we have the best view in the South West, facing Lundy Island, so it’s an incredible spot to watch the sun go down.’ Henry Hare is the owner and operator of Downend car park. Looking at the photographs he has sent me of the car park, it certainly boasts one of the best views from a car park that I have ever seen.

The car park has been in Henry’s family a long time. The family has been landowners in Croyde for generations: the car park was originally a ‘regular field’ and then his grandmother decided to open a tea shop in the early 1900s. ‘They used to take tea out to people on the beach. I have seen some photos showing old Bentleys parked here, which is surreal.’

Henry worked in the tea shop as a youngster, serving cream teas and pasties to people who also used the site to park while they went to the beach. In 2014, his mum

handed over the running of the family estate to Henry and his two brothers, with Henry taking on the Downend car park and tea shop – now a cafe – in 2020. ‘The pandemic hit us hard: the café had been successful but was now struggling,’ he says.

On the way up

Henry upgraded the car park and expanded the facilities on offer. The lighting was replaced, the car park spruced up and expanded. There is an overflow field, which is used for ‘sunset parking’ where visitors can come to park and watch the sun go down over Lundy Island.

The café was taken over by a Sri Lankan chef, whose regular curry nights have become

“We have the best view in the South West, facing Lundy Island, so it’s an incredible spot to watch the sun go down”

legendary among visitors. ‘They are not to be missed,’ says Henry.

There is also an independent surf shop on site (in 2022, the North Devon coast was designated as a World Surfing Reserve, joining the likes of Malibu in the US and the Gold Coast in Australia) as well as a toilet and shower block. Henry recently applied for an alcohol licence and a bought a big German truck that now serves as an on-site mobile bar.

Customer care

The facilities upgrade for the car park included new lighting and partnering with Total Parking Solutions (TPS) for parking payments. An automatic number plate recognition system was installed, and the payment options expanded to include RingGo mobile payments, as well as cash or card payments at machines. Season tickets are also available for regular local visitors.

‘Having TPS manage the payment side of the parking has been a revelation,’ says Henry. ‘Customer service is so important to ventures like this, so we chose TPS because it is understanding and reasonable. Everything has been so smooth running – I am a big fan of the RingGo app too – and it frees me up to develop other aspects of the car park.’

These ‘other aspects’ include partnerships with companies that hire out the ‘sunset parking’ field for events such as mini-festivals and weddings. Henry recently got permission for a camping site during the peak summer season on a field next to the car park, which opens this month.

‘That’s really exciting, because it means people who come to the festivals, or the curry nights, or even to a wedding here, can now stay on site,’ he says. ‘We have provision for motorhomes on the campsite too.’

Cars and curry

As well as the TPS team, Downend relies on a core of permanent staff plus seasonal workers during the busier months. Wasantha Liyanage and Collette Brookes run the onsite Beach End café and are responsible for the curry night success, and Anthony Rofner is Henry’s ‘right-hand man’. ‘He does everything from

cutting the grass to looking after people who visit, answering questions, giving directions, directing cars and generally welcoming them to our fantastic place,’ says Henry. ‘I am always looking out for new ideas and ways that we can improve Downend: there’s loads I still want to do. I love turning things around. I have a vision and then I go for it.’

A total parking solution

‘We have been working with Henry Hare and his team for a number of years now,’ says Rachel Baxter, operations director at Total Parking Solutions. ‘It has been a fantastic collaboration, and together we have made significant improvements to the car park’s operations and user experience.

‘TPS provides a comprehensive parking management service for the Downend car park. Our services include automated payment systems, regular maintenance, security management, and customer support to ensure a seamless parking experience for visitors.

‘Our team uses advanced technology to monitor and manage the car park efficiently, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and safety for all users.’

Main image and right: views From Downend car park across the sea Below and left: The onsite beach cafe does a roaring trade, including regular Sri Lankan curry nights

View from the Middle East

Pamela E Chikhani, general manager at Secure Parking in the United Arab Emirates and international representative on the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI) Board, tells Louise Parfitt more about the challenges and innovations for parking in the UAE, and the work of the IPMI

What developments and trends are being seen in the UAE?

Post-pandemic, we saw a big shift towards using more advanced technology in the parking industry. This trend of moving away from bricks and mortar and into the software and smart technology world has been felt worldwide. However, some habits stick and will take longer to change. For example, while we are implementing more contactless, barrierless, tap-and-go, and scan-and-pay solutions to our B2B clients, more than 55 per cent of the population in Dubai prefers to still pay in cash. Therefore, even if the technology is there, and has been for many years, consumer behaviour, among other things, dictates the pace of the change and the advancement of the industry.

Drivers expect a lot of perks and added value from car parks here. Eco-waterless car washes are very popular; you can find one in almost every car park. Car detailing, window tinting and tyre changes are also among the services offered in a car park. And, of course now, EV charging is becoming more popular. Our clients are requesting we install chargers and even integrate them with our parking management system (PMS) so that the visitor pays both the parking and the EV charging fee in one go.

“It’s our seal of excellence. There is nothing or anyone else offering anything like it in our region”

EV charging, as in all countries, has its benefits and its challenges. Some are infrastructure related and others are rules and regulations related, all affecting consumer convenience and subsequently behaviours. At Secure Parking, we are installing AC chargers in private indoor car parks and using DC fast chargers for on-street parking and in places such as petrol stations. E-mobility is becoming increasingly popular in Dubai. You can find e-scooters in all the busy areas around the city. Also, electric pool cars are available and are popular among new residents, young drivers and tourists.

What services and support does the IPMI offer members?

In the UAE, the IPMI offers mainly educational courses for individuals wishing to be certified in certain areas of the parking and mobility industry. Programmes such as the Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP) are among the most sought-after certifications in the industry: it’s like a Master’s degree or a PhD in parking.

Secure Parking UAE applied for the Accredited Parking Organisation (APO), where we went through a rigorous assessment (customised to our region) of our parking assets and parking operation processes and received the accreditation with distinction. It’s our seal of excellence. There is nothing or anyone else offering anything like it in our region.

What issues are of most concern to IPMI members?

I wouldn’t call them concerns really – they are more like ambitions. A hardworking team behind the IPMI stays up at night understanding the industry trends and challenges and tries to address them with events, webinars, research papers, courses and certifications, trying to make it a little easier on all of us industry professionals to be prepared for future developments.

Chikhani (seated centre left) at an IPMI event

“Programmes such as the Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP) are among the most sought-after certifications in the industry: it’s like a Master’s degree or a PhD in parking”

How did you get involved with the IPMI?

I met the IPMI senior management team during our certification process a few years ago. Then, two years ago, I got a call from IPMI CEO Shawn Conrad, offering me a seat on the board of directors as the international representative. I accepted without any hesitation, despite the challenges in distance and travel, as I was honoured to be part of such a high-standard, well-structured organisation and contribute to helping to shape the parking and mobility industry.

What, for you, makes it a satisfying profession?

It’s about the competitiveness, the challenges, problem-solving, and innovation. It keeps me on my toes and that’s how I like it. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and we love the adrenaline rush we get from it. One day is for you and one day against you.

Of all the work the IPMI does, what makes you most proud?

Definitely the certifications and the accreditations. Also, let’s not forget the big three-day conference every summer in the US. It brings together professionals, even from across Europe, Asia and Australia. It showcases the latest technology, offers educational sessions and provides networking opportunities through best-in-class organised dinners and events for everyone to get to know each other. If you haven’t been, you have to visit. It’s one of the best.

What challenges is the profession facing?

Upskilling! You’ve got to continue to learn and invest in your knowledge and follow industry trends. For example, hardware manufacturers are now faced with a big challenge as the industry moves from bricks and mortar to smart technologies and more software-

orientated solutions. They either have to innovate and join the party or become the next Kodak.

What work is the IPMI doing on these challenges?

The IPMI, through its market research, reports, webinars, and educational sessions, provides a pool of information about the industry trends and challenges. It’s up to the industry professionals to gauge all of this information and do something about it to benefit their growth strategy.

Find out more about the IPMI at parking-mobility.org

Pamela E Chikhani is on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/pamelachikhani

Chikhani receiving Accredited Parking Organisation accreditation (above) on behalf of Secure Parking (left/below)

The commissioner, the code and the future

As general election campaigning ramps up, BPA

Lawline’s Derek Millard-Smith and James Harvey consider what’s next for the role of the biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner and the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice

The general election is fast approaching, so we are taking this chance among the campaigning, promises and speeches to look at one of the impacts it has had on a data protection development and our sector.

When the general election was called, a process was entered whereby ongoing pieces of legislation were either prioritised to receive Royal Assent or were placed on hold, ready for the new House of Commons to debate and the incoming government to resolve.

One piece of legislation that was not passed prior to the dissolution of parliament was the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI Bill).1 A key piece of reform within the proposed DPDI Bill was to dissolve the role of the biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner and also the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.2

Raising concerns

The biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner established the working group that analyses surveillance technology. Of particular relevance for the parking sector is the ANPR independent advisory group that comprises Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and Home Office representatives. The surveillance camera code applies to surveillance camera systems defined under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012,3 which covers ANPR technology. Public authorities are required to adhere to the code; private entities are encouraged to comply.

With the guiding principles of the surveillance code encouraging specified use of surveillance systems and in pursuit of a legitimate aim, the removal of both the commissioner and the code does remove regulatory oversight of surveillance systems. Stakeholders with an interest in data protection have raised concerns over the lack of understanding as to whether the regulatory oversight will be substituted. Some of the functions of the commissioner are set to be transferred to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO): however, there are no similar provisions to replace the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

Considerations

The removal of the surveillance camera code does remove a regulatory consideration for private parking operators, even though the adherence to the code was voluntary.

“As the bay surveillance cameras develop, it is essential that operators have the underlying justification for their use”

In lieu of any further plans to replace the surveillance camera code, operators should continue to ensure that the ANPR systems deployed at car parks are used in a proportionate manner. While capturing entry and exit times are a reasonable use of the ANPR systems, there may be further considerations for bay-monitoring cameras that cover larger areas.

As the bay-surveillance cameras develop and new offerings appear on the market, it is essential that operators have the underlying justification for their use. Supplemental documentation considering the impact of cameras continually monitoring bays and the benefits and risks involved with this level of surveillance is a key requirement. Further to this, any use of the data that is captured by these cameras will need to be used with the purpose with which it is deployed. In terms of parking operators’ responsibilities, care must be given to ensure the data is appropriately used. If there is a likelihood of ‘function creep’ in

“The removal of both the commissioner and the code does remove regulatory oversight of surveillance systems”

terms of cameras fulfilling a separate purpose, as opposed to the stated one of car park management, this will run a risk of falling into excessive processing and could attract enforcement action from the ICO.

The lack of clarity over the future of any follow-up surveillance camera code and the fact the commissioner’s role will lose independence by being transferred to the IPCO does likely result in a weakening of the regulatory oversight for ANPR technologies.

With the advent of further biometric surveillance technologies, it would not a be a surprise to see concerted lobbying efforts to implement such regulation. ANPR technologies may be caught by future regulation.

The information included here is for reference only. If you require advice on this issue or have any other legal queries, please contact BPA Lawline at bpa@jmw.co.uk or call 0345 241 3024. Remember, BPA members can get 30 minutes of free legal advice from BPA Lawline.

1 bills.parliament.uk/bills/3430

2 bit.ly/PNJul24SC

3 bit.ly/PNJul24PF

Derek Millard-Smith

BPA Lawline

Remembering Penny Winder 1952-2024

The BPA is sad to hear that Penny Winder, the director of Alpha Parking, has died after a brief illness.

Penny founded Alpha Parking in 2004, developing and providing a range of professional parking qualifications and technical consultancy services.

Rukhsar Asgher, operations manager at Alpha Parking, said: ‘Penny was cherished and respected by everyone, both as a colleague and as a friend. Her kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit touched us all, and we are immensely grateful for the privilege of having known and worked with her. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to Penny’s family and loved ones during this incredibly challenging time. She will be deeply missed. We appreciate that people may wish to pay their respects to Penny, so please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to relay all messages to the family.’ Send your messages of condolence to rukhsar.hussain@aparking.co.uk

BPA new guidance for fraud and fire risk

Are you an owner or operator of car park structures? If so, you will be interested to know the BPA has a newly published Fire Risk Assessment guide, endorsed by the Institution of Fire Engineers. It gives practical advice on fire risk assessments (FRAs) and covers what you need to do to comply with legal obligations, how to commission an FRA assessor, and the fire risk factors, as well as further information sources.

See britishparking.co.uk/Resources/ FireRiskAssessmentGuide

Also out now is the newly published BPA Preventing Parking Payment Fraud guide. Read this to combat this everevolving threat and, in turn, educate your customers to help them avoid being victims of payment fraud. See britishparking.co.uk/Resources/ PreventingParkingPaymentFraud

AOS members urged to fill in the AOS census

The next AOS census will open on 15 July for all Approved Operators to submit data on the period between 1 January and 30 June 2024.

Sara Roberts, head of Conformity Assessment Body Transition at the BPA, is encouraging all AOS members to take part. She said: ‘While the general election deferred – to an as yet unspecified date – the next, and possibly final, government consultation on the amount of the parking charge and the ability to levy a fee for debt recovery, our work in collating data to support the sector’s position on these pivotal topics must continue. The data provided in previous censuses has proven invaluable and ongoing participation in this census by Approved Operators remains vitally important.’

The BPA initiated the AOS census in 2019, to collate robust evidence to inform its associated communications and lobbying activities. In particular, the use of aggregated membership data supports the Association’s messages on why effective parking management is essential, and how it is important that an effective deterrent to selfish parking is maintained.

Roberts said this data has had additional benefits when seeking to inform government on the Parking Code of Practice Act. ‘The data provided in previous censuses has proven invaluable in our responses to government consultations. Through the census, we have learned that most motorists who opt to pay a parking charge do so at the discounted rate. This proves that the real deterrent is the early payment charge, and that any further reductions, as proposed by government, will doubtless see more motorists taking a risk, resulting in significant increases in PCN issuance.’

The BPA will contact AOS members to let them know when the census is open.

Well done to you all!

■ The Jubilee Place, Cabot Square, Churchill Place, Westferry Circus and Canada Square car parks, which are all managed by Canary Wharf Management, have again achieved the prestigious Park Mark award. This is a great achievement and clearly demonstrates that the parking facilities at Canary Wharf have measures in place that actively deter crime and the fear of crime in car parks. Antony Powell, BPA area manager, said: ‘These latest awards are fully deserved and demonstrate the Canary Wharf management team’s hard work and commitment to providing a safer environment for all users of the facilities. Everyone involved in the management and operation of these excellent facilities should be proud of this achievement.’

■ Park Lane car park (below right), managed by Q-Park located in Westminster, has achieved the prestigious Park Mark Plus award following a recent assessment by the Metropolitan Police and the BPA. The award of Park Mark Plus demonstrates that a facility provides police-approved accredited parking and has reached the standards of Park Access, as well as a range of environmental, structural, operational and customer service criteria. Shahed Chowdhury, Q-Park business manager, London said: ‘We are delighted to be awarded the Park Mark Plus: this is a significant endorsement of ongoing investment to upgrade and improve our parking facilities.’

■ Care Park UK (below left) has received the Park Mark award for the sixth year in a row for its parking facility for Manchester Airport. Dominic Dunne, general manager of Care Park UK, said: ‘Our Boundary Farm site is operating 24/7. Travellers entrust us with their vehicle and their safety as they enter and exit the site at various times throughout the day and night. We’re proud that the BPA has recognised our hard work and dedication to safety with the Park Mark award.’

Dates for your diary

■ 11 July – Parking Technology Interest Group meeting (virtual)

■ 18 September – Parking Scotland Expo, Perth

■ 20 September – TTF Smarter Parking Group meeting (virtual)

■ 26 September – EV Connect Group meeting (virtual)

■ 9 October – Parking and Transport Wales Conference and Expo, Swansea (sponsored by Andrew James Enforcement)

■ 10 October – Parking Structures Interest Group (virtual)

■ 7 November – Parking Technology Interest Group (virtual)

■ 14 November – Retail and Leisure Interest Group (virtual)

■ 21 November – All-Ireland Parking Show, Dublin (in collaboration with the Irish Parking Association)

■ 22 November – TTF Smarter Parking Group meeting (virtual)

■ 28 November – BPA Members’ Dinner Drapers’ Hall, London (sponsored by DCBL, CDER Group and Unity 5)

For more information, please visit britishparking.co.uk/Events

Press and media spotlight

The BPA has been featured on BBC local news programmes recently, highlighting some of the ways it is raising standards and keeping motorists safe. This includes a piece for BBC South Today and South East Today regional news programmes about the importance of secure freight parking.

Sara Fisher, BPA head of operations and business development, spoke about Park Mark Freight – a comprehensive assessment managed by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives and the BPA – that seeks to enhance the quality of lorry parks and their facilities.

Fisher was also interviewed for BBC Midlands Today about airport meet and greet operators, which aired during Parkex. This follows the launch of the BPA’s Approved Meet and Greet Operator (AM-GO) scheme to raise standards and drive out crime across airport parking.

She said: ‘We are so excited to be launching this new scheme, which will be the only police-supported nationwide accreditation of its type. We are aiming for a national standard to deliver optimum success and a consistent message to the holiday and business traveller alike, so we are encouraging all UK airports and their meet and greet parking operators to join the scheme.’

For more on AM-GO, see April’s Parking News: bit.ly/PNJul24AMGO

Professional partnership

Paula Burton, BPA training and development manager, announces a new development in the BPA member training offering, with the BPA achieving City and Guilds Assured partner status

The BPA is excited to announce that it has now formally received assured status from City and Guilds to deliver learning programmes focusing on parking enforcement and notice processing.

As part of its three-year Strategic Plan, the BPA has committed to promoting an inclusive and professional sector by encouraging continuous professional development (CPD) through learning opportunities. We have already provided a range of learning modules via our SkillsHub platform.

Now, through the City and Guilds Assured programme, we have developed the first two programmes of learning content for those working in the parking sector, which are:

■ Access Level Assured Certificate in Parking Enforcement

■ Intermediate Level Assured Certificate in Notice Processing.

Additional support

These programmes focus on the development of individuals currently within or wanting to join the sector.

They demonstrate the BPA’s commitment to leading the way and raising standards across the sector, from civil enforcement officers to notice processors, both in the public and private sectors.

Jon Allan, BPA head of technology, innovation and research, says: ‘This is an amazing accomplishment for the BPA and a testament to the hard work of all involved.

I look forward to this next exciting chapter as we work to put the BPA on the map as a serious and trusted City and Guilds Assured partner.’

To help support the launch and maintain consistency and quality, Annie Cameron has joined our BPA team as quality assurance manager – learning and development, and she will be working closely with me. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in her field and will ensure that these new programmes go from strength to strength and deliver the highest industry standards.

The BPA plans to work with learning delivery partners to develop its own programmes in the future.

Further information will be announced later this year.

More about

Assured

Assured is a City and Guilds global quality benchmark that recognises excellence in training and learning. Developed by leading brands in skills development, Assured demonstrates how organisations plan, design and deliver their learning programmes meets world-class quality standards.

The Assured benchmark is a quality assurance framework that evaluates eight areas of programme design and delivery, called the Benchmark Standards, to confirm that an organisation has met the global quality standard set by City and Guilds and the Institute of Learning Management (ILM).

City and Guilds works with hundreds of organisations in the UK and internationally, including private employers, government and public sector bodies, charities and colleges. See bit.ly/PNJul24CG

Kelvin Reynolds on speaking the truth to power

A Manifesto! Net zero! Pronto!

manifesto is a public declaration of intent, policy or aims, as issued by a political party, government, or movement. It is derived from the Italian word manifesto, which comes from the Latin manifestum, meaning clear or conspicuous.

The word ‘ambiguous’ also traces its origins back to the Latin word ambiguus, which means ‘having double meaning, shifting, changeable, doubtful’.

I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions having read the various manifestos.

Green agenda

Climate change is a feature in all the manifestos. I believe it demands a coalition and collegiate approach.

My BPA colleagues, Sarah Greenslade and Ryan Davey, and I have been certified by the Carbon Literacy Project. Together, we promote and practise positive action towards tackling climate change. This manifests itself across the Association in a variety of ways. We are recycling more at the office. We are saving money reducing food waste at events and meetings, through better planning and becoming more confident about the number

of people attending. We use hybrid and online meetings more often. We’re deploying electric vehicles into our fleet. Our site audits for BPA accreditations, such as Park Mark, Park Access and AM-GO (Airport Meet and Greet Operators) are being planned to reduce distances travelled. This not only saves time, but it also saves energy, and it reduces our operational costs.

Some of our accreditations themselves promote sustainable travel, such as Park Active, which enables and encourages cycling and walking, and Park Access EV, which identifies accessible EV charging.

We can all become carbon literate… We can all do our bit. It’s not difficult. People throughout the Association and its entire membership can contribute to reducing the effects of climate change. For example, do you always turn up when you say are going to a meeting where catering is provided? When travelling, do you consider sustainable travel opportunities?

A different way

We have built a car-centric society over the past 50 years or more. Now, it feels like we can’t do without them. Of course, the car is convenient, but if we invest in better public transport and more sustainable development

“Real-time road user charging will encourage more equitable and environmentally friendly use of the road networks. We have the technology. Do we have the political will?”

(meaning walkable places with local amenities), then we can reduce the demand for road traffic and travel. Home working and enabling our children to walk to school safely all contribute to reducing emissions.

Our healthcare and higher education members are, primarily, travel plan managers, seeking to make best use of available resources, managing parking, prioritising the vulnerable and promoting sustainable travel.

Our local government and parking on private land members are busy managing streets and car parks. Efficient and effective parking management, together with realistic parking charges, can promote sustainable travel choices.

Our parking structures members are designing and building more sustainable parking facilities.

Our parking technology and EV Connect members are enabling the transition to an entirely EV fleet, which will improve air quality and reduce noise in our towns and cities.

Whatever they say, the incoming government will need to find a mechanism to recover the revenue that will be reduced by

the transition to zero-emission vehicles with zero or low vehicle excise duty rates. Plus – and here’s the challenge – real-time road user charging will encourage more equitable and environmentally friendly use of the road networks. We have the technology. Do we have the political will?

Truth be told

Manifestos speak about a scaling back of civil parking enforcement, lowering penalty charges and restricting effective traffic management because its popular.

Yet so many real villains are hiding in plain sight, abusing and misusing Blue Badge concessions (see pages 18-19), ignoring the rules of parking and traffic management, and making life a misery for people by rat-running through residential areas and putting children in danger on their way to school. We need to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make our towns and cities more ‘liveable’. That’s what low traffic neighbourhoods and school streets are about. Isn’t it?

I was a Tufty Club leader during an early part of my career. The focus was on teaching children to protect themselves from the car. How times have changed. The latest version of The Highway Code encourages drivers to protect vulnerable road users, and rightly so.

Popularity is the aim, playing with people’s minds is the game, better telling fibs for fame, rather than truth be to blame.

When it comes to climate change and the consequences of not achieving net zero pronto, I’m reminded of something I was told by a former colleague – a traffic police officer – who once said to a group of sceptics, when discussing the inevitably of something: ‘If you stand in The Strand and hold your position, you will eventually be run down by a No 11 bus!’

Appyway

Helping cities decarbonise, from the kerb up. Faster, more accurate digital traffic order management. Automated, centralised tariff management. Driver-centric parking payments and connected car services. Real-time bay occupancy and insights. EV charge point integrations and data-led rollout.

Buchanan Order Management

The leading Map-based Traffic Order Consultancy that specialises in delivering accurate and comprehensive Traffic Order Reviews and Support work. Please contact us to discuss how we can work with you.

Cammax Limited

sales@appyway.com appyway.com

01635 290790

Enquiries@buchananorders.co.uk www.buchananorders.co.uk

Cammax offer innovative payment systems to today’s ever changing parking market. Providing our partners with tailored pay on foot, pay & display and hybrid parking payment systems. With our intuitive customer-facing applications and data rich back end systems, Cammax offer flexible solutions along with outstanding customer service.

Carflow

Carflow provides car park management services to retailers and landowners throughout the UK, specialising in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking systems. Our services help our clients to increase car park utilisation and revenue.

CSL

CSL has been providing secure connectivity for critical IoT applications for over 25 years. Their fully managed, end-to-end connectivity innovations utilise technologies such as 4G and are secure, reliable and hassle-free, whilst their expert support teams are here for you 24/7.

DESIGNA

DESIGNA design, manufacture and install fully automatic “Pay-on-foot” car parking systems. DESIGNA provides the answer to your parking needs with more than 16,000 installations worldwide; from simple standalone systems, to large, citywide networks, entire airport complexes, hotels, shopping centres and hospital estates.

Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd

High Court Enforcement as seen on TV’s Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away! Letter cycle recovery service with a collection rate 25% higher than our competitors.

01977 669946

info@cammaxlimited.co.uk www.cammaxlimited.co.uk

Conor Greely 0208 819 7451

sales@carflow.co.uk www.carflow.co.uk

+44 (0) 7909 991 090

Hiran.Ravat@csl-group.com

01932 784040

sales@designauk.com www.designa.com

Pam Robinson 0203 298 0201 pap@dcbltd.com

G24

G24 specialises in providing car park management solutions specifically tailored to suit retailers, retail parks and other corporate and independent organisations throughout the UK.

HUB Parking Technology

HUB Parking Technology develops, manufactures, installs, and provides after-sales support for HUB Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems. The company creates state-of-the-art systems that make parking efficient, profitable and easy to manage.

Caroline Sargeant 0370 0427 215 caroline.sargeant@g24.co.uk www.g24.co.uk

Sarah Cosby sarah.cosby@faac.co.uk

Makers Construction Limited

Leading experts in car parking refurbishment with over 40 years of contracting experience. Offering life care planning, testing and investigation with full turnkey solutions to the parking industry to refurbish, maintain and enhance your parking facility.

Nagels

Nagels is the world’s largest parking ticket manufacturer. We supply pay-onfoot and pay and display tickets, enforcement stationery, RFID and plastic cards, parking signage, cones, barriers and many other products to parking companies in the UK and Ireland.

NMI

NMI develops trusted payment software for mobile, online, and in-store payments. You’ve probably used it without realising it when booking a ticket, paying for parking, or making a charity donation. Its Payment Gateway is used by developers worldwide to add payments to their solutions enabling them to focus on what they do best.

08458 994444 enquiries@makers.biz www.makers.biz

Jim Williamson (+44) 01482 873597 sales@nagels.co.uk www.nagels.com

www.nmi.com hello@nmi.com 0117 930 4455

NSGL

NSGL Parking believe that parking should be simple and stress free. After all it is the most insignificant part of any journey but usually the part that is the most emotive.

Octopass

Octopass is a flexible permit and pass management system with over a decade of experience serving a wide range of sectors. We help you manage permits and passes in a simple, sustainable and transparent way!

03333 201 858

admin@nsglparking.co.uk www.nsglparking.co.uk u u u

octopass.co.uk sales@octopass.co.uk 0330 0220 697

Orbility

Orbility Limited designs, manufactures and maintains automatic barriers, pay on foot systems and ANPR ticketless solutions. We provide payment options that include credit and debit card, contactless, payment by phone, coins, bank notes, bank note recycling and back office solutions for all sectors.

Parking and Secure Documents

PSD – incorporating The Parking Shop – is the market leader for parking related statutory document mailings and sustainable manual enforcement stationery. We also supply line marking and signage solutions and as part of our service we offer on site surveys and reports.

Parking Associates Ltd

Enquiries

Info.uk@orbility.com +44 (0)2392 414 423 www.orbility.com

Integrity Communications Group Westfield Trading Estate Midsomer Norton Bath BA3 4BS 01761 409290 contact@parkingandsecuredocuments.com parkingandsecuredocuments.com

Parking Associates offers an independent perspective and insight, providing unbiased innovative ideas to increase all-round efficiency. The services are available for short or long-term projects.

Parkingeye

As the ANPR market-leader, Parkingeye’s mission is to make life easier for businesses and their customers by giving them the capabilities to park effortlessly in a highly connected world. Managing thousands of sites with a 98% client retention rate, our team deliver results which help our customers thrive.

Parksmart Solutions

An extensive, fully configurable PCN Suite, including web and mobile Attendant, Front of House Kiosk, DVLA Scanning applications. Automated Management Portal supporting Static & Mobile ANPR PCN issuing with IVR, Driver App & Pay By Text or Phone. Location Geo Fencing with Self Set Up.

RTA Associates Ltd

RTA Associates offers a specialist parking solutions consultancy. We also undertake TRO, MTO and car park condition and legality surveys and full GIS digitised mapping of Orders using RTAOrderPro, which is a managed hosted service providing up to date records of your Orders. Our public portal allows you to make, advertise, consult and seal Orders.

Smart Parking

As an award winning and market-leading provider of car park management technology and services our aim is simple, to make life easier for clients and their customers. Specialising in ANPR technology, we deliver end-to-end parking solutions to customers across the UK and beyond. Our insight and reporting tools put real-time parking data at your fingertips.

Kirsty Reeves 07917353218 info@parkingassociates.co.uk www.parkingassociates.co.uk

Parkingeye Ltd 01772 450 542

marketing@parkingeye.co.uk www.parkingeye.co.uk/

info@parksmartsolutions.co.uk 0333 332 7930

Peter Lowe plowe@rtaassociates.co.uk 07900 264137 www.rtaassociates.co.uk

0845 230 3081 sales@smartparking.com www.smartparking.com

Swarco Traffic Ltd

Experts in parking systems, electric vehicle charging solutions, signage & safety systems, and traffic control & management. SWARCO solutions improve quality of life by making the travel experience safer, quicker, more convenient and environmentally sound.

Tagmaster UK

TagMaster UK Limited is a leading manufacturer and supplier of traffic monitoring equipment, a wide range of instrumentation and software systems are available ranging from temporary deployable radar devices through to full real-time ITS systems.

Total Parking Solutions

info.uk@swarco.com 01748 824624 www.swarco.com

01438 347555 Sales.uk@tagmaster.com 4, Caxton Place, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2UG www.uk.tagmaster.com

The strength of Total Parking Solutions Ltd lies within its long and wide-ranging experience in the parking sector. With over 40 years’ combined experience the company has achieved a reputation as one of the leading providers of car parking solutions, throughout the UK.

Twin

The smart choice for any organisation in any parking and EV charging environment. Our contactless payment terminals and our mobile phone app, Twinpay, offer a seamless payment platform with dual functionality to pay for parking or EV charging. Supported by a unique back office system, the Twin range of products is fully OCPP compliant.

WPS UK

WPS focuses on practical innovation and brings together technology to provide our customers with smart but primarily reliable and future-proof Parking Solutions, ready to face the connected world of today and tomorrow.

ZatPark

Market leading parking enforcement, administration and management

software, incorporating an ANPR-enabled street enforcement mobile app. World class features provide complete control of the full life-cycle of parking enforcement data, from issue to recovery action and every step between.

01536 680107 info@totalparking.co.uk www.totalparking.co.uk

0114 3497070

enquiries@twinpay.com www.twinpay.com

+44 84 50 94 15 43 info@wps-uk.com www.wpsparking.com

03333 440834

info@zatpark.com www.zatpark.com