Developing a framework for fairer standards in private parking

The British Parking Association (BPA) welcomes progress on delivery of the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 with the launch of two consultations. The British Standards Institution (BSI) is consulting on a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) for the private parking sector, which will in effect create a single code of practice as described in the Act. The BPA has worked closely with government, BSI and other stakeholders throughout the process to inform the development of PAS 232.

In parallel, government is also seeking views on how to improve regulation of the private parking sector for the benefit of consumers, parking operators and landowners alike. We have listened to Governments’ and MPs’ concerns and share their desire to produce standards that enable effective parking management that is fairer, clearer and more proportionate.

The value of a Parking Charge has always been contentious. We have therefore put forward a proposal for a Three Tier Parking Charge plus an Appeals Charter, which will be fairer, clearer and more proportionate for everyone.

Having a three-tiered Parking Charge provides for more effective deterrents for anti-social parking that no stakeholders would condone, such as occupying Blue Badge bays. At the same time it provides for lower tier charges for less serious breaches of parking terms and conditions, such as parking longer than permitted, or that has been paid for. Underpinned by the Appeals Charter this will remove many of the perceived and real injustices, for example a permit falling off a dashboard or a simple keying error.

Steve Clark, BPA Head of Business Operations says

“We are pleased to be working closely with Government and others, including consumers and motorist groups, to design a parking code and associated arrangements which provide an even fairer outcome for motorists, landowners and parking operators alike. We’ve always wanted a standard setting body, a single code of practice, and a single independent appeals service, all of which are vital if we are to truly enable effective parking management on private land.”

ENDS

September 18th 2020

All enquiries please email the BPA Press Office: media@britishparking.co.uk

Notes to editors

Notes to Editors

  • The British Parking Association represents the UK parking and traffic management profession. Our 750 plus corporate members include local government, commercial providers, and parking system operators, as well as consultants and academics. In addition, we represent over 600 individuals and have a separate membership structure to support their professional development. We are a not-for-profit organisation working with our members and stakeholders to support their communities, improve compliance and encourage fairness to achieve our vision of excellence in parking for all. Please visit our website for further information britishparking.co.uk
  • We are a not for profit organisation working with our partners to support growth for their communities, improve compliance by those managing and using parking facilities and encourage fairness to achieve our vision of excellence in parking for all. Any surplus income arising from our work is reinvested back into activities to support our members or put into a reserve fund to ensure we can continue to raise standards and encourage professionalism.
  • The Parking (Code of Practice) Act is supported by government and approved by Parliament. It aligns with our calls for a framework that enables a standard setting body, single mandatory code of practice and independent appeals service. It’s good news for motorists and the parking sector, and provides a unique opportunity to deliver greater consistency and consumer confidence.
  • We have always been at the forefront of raising standards in the parking sector, with the first code of practice in 2006 and launch of the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) in 2007, the model for Accredited Trade Associations. Our Code is continuously improved with stakeholders, accompanied by a full internal and third-party audit, and a scheme of sanctions to ensure our members comply.
  • In 2012, we launched POPLA, the first independent appeal service for tickets issued on private land in England and Wales. In 2019 we extended POPLA into Scotland and Northern Ireland allowing motorists access to free independent appeals.