HB Interview: Perfect parking with Debt Recovery Plus

Health Business (HB) talks to Stewart Clure (SC), managing director of Debt Recovery Plus, the leading provider of debt recovery services for the private parking sector in the country

Parking was an area that perhaps unexpectedly made headlines as the coronavirus pandemic took hold over the UK. The government announced that it will cover the costs of providing free car parking to NHS staff working in hospitals in England, with areas such as London and Newcastle leading the way in ensuring that key workers and other hospital staff could park at, or as near to, work as possible without the stress of queueing and paying.

However, like all industries, the return to parking norm is upon us, or at least soon will be. In light of this, we spoke to Stewart Clure, managing director of Debt Recovery Plus, which provides debt recovery and back office solutions to 90 per cent of the industry, handling over 120,000 unpaid parking charges each month, about the current situation and other issues affecting the sector.

Stewart Clure, managing director of Debt Recovery Plus

HB: It would be unwise to begin without first addressing coronavirus. With hospitals more overwhelmed than ever before, what impact has the pandemic had on NHS parking?

SC: We have all experienced unprecedented times during the last few weeks and we have seen how parking enforcement operators, the BPA, IPC and NHS trusts have come together to ensure that all NHS sites are reviewed for free parking in some areas. There has of course been a light shone on the NHS, NHS staff and the general well-being of anyone associated with carrying out support services during Covid-19. We have seen operators across the board work alongside landowners to make sure that everyone who needs access to parking is catered for during this period. We have still seen some parking abuse in key areas of NHS sites, which can often lead to devastating consequences if they are not managed effectively which is why some sites have had to maintain some sort of consistent, robust enforcement to make sure that the right people do have sufficient access to parking. The IPC and BPA have worked with operators to compile a list of sites via a website which offers free or support to parking across the UK on selected NHS sites.

HB: How have parking staff been managed and supported during this time?

SC: There has been great support provided by operators for all their staff, whether it is to front line warden services right the way through to back office support staff. Many operators have had to take advantage of Furlough scheme to ensure that they manage their cash flow resources in line with demand. We have also seen a number of operators provide their staff, vehicles and equipment to support NHS services in any way they can, whether it is making deliveries of PPE equipment, helping to provide financial assistance to purchase PPE or simply by providing marshalling services to sites to help with traffic control.

HB: The move to digital seems to have impacted nearly every industry in the UK, and car parks are no different. But, in light of the increasing use of technology in the sector, what benefits do operators and wardens on site have for NHS parking?

SC: Wardens can always provide a hands on service to any site where there is a mix use of operation in use. Sometimes it is a helping hand, someone to give advice and support to the public or simply to act as a security alert on site. Technology will always play a big part to help data analysis and support growth on NHS sites but wardens and operators can often still lead the way in supporting site performance.

HB: What are the knock on effects of mis-management in NHS parking, particular in terms of revenue streams?

SC: We have seen numerous cases of abuse by the public on sites which are in key areas such as city centres, close proximity to train stations etc. if these sites are not managed effectively then the abuse can take up key spaces which are intended for staff, patients and visitors. Often reducing capacity and revenue which is often used to support other NHS services.

HB: Taking into account the importance of taking each case on its own merit, as well the need of an ethical approach to management, can you outline the necessary needs of debt recovery to support a successful parking management programme?

SC: Like most things, parking charges are not considered to be on the top of everyone’s list when it comes to paying bills. Debt recovery on NHS sites is a necessary evil to make sure that repeat offenders are not taking up vital space and are followed up on any unpaid charges received. For all the unpaid charges the NHS loses out on millions of £ revenue each year which could be spent wisely on much needed services. Debt Recovery Plus understands that you may be suffering from some form of financial hardship due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic and wants to help you. Advisors are manning the company’s helpline from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and can give advice and assistance to help you pay your parking charge.

Please contact Debt Recovery Plus on 0208 234 6775 for more assistance

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.debtrecoveryplus.co.uk