Transport Minister addresses parking sector at BPA Live!

One of the highlights of BPA Live, the BPA's in-person conference and exhibition held in London on April 26th  was  a Keynote address from Richard Holden MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Roads and Local Transport) at the Department for Transport 

The Minister spoke about the Department for Transport’s work to improve road journeys, including some of the ambitious initiatives to harness the benefits of technology as we move further into the digital age.

He began by saying "We all know that working in partnership provides better transport services and I am delighted that the department has been working closely with the BPA to develop smarter parking - maximising the benefit of real-time data and IT systems to improve the experience of the user." 

He went on to praise the work of the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS)  for which his department provided the seed funding and commended its tremendous achievement in placing the UK parking sector "at the forefront of smarter parking" and providing "the catalyst for further innovation – including the development of the National Parking Platform (NPP)."

The Minister also addressed his government's active travel priorities to enable more people to make their everyday journeys on foot or by wheeling or cycling.  "Active travel is central to many government agendas including green growth; health; the cost of living; regenerating high streets; and levelling up. "

On the delayed pavement parking consultation he acknowledged that "...it is an extremely complex issue. All of the options for tackling pavement parking have significant challenges in terms of deliverability and efficacy and we want to take the right step for communities and ensure that local authorities have appropriate and effective tools at their disposal." And, while I cannot commit to a date right now, we expect to make an announcement in the near future."

On the subject of enforcement and Moving Traffic powers, he said the initial signs were "...very encouraging"  and that government will continue to monitor the effects of these powers as more local authorities go live.

The Minister concluded by saying "As the main sector trade body with a large public and private membership and strong contacts internationally, the BPA is uniquely placed to work with the department on it its drive to make travel by road easier, more efficient, and safer while making the most of the exciting possibilities technology can offer. I know that the constructive working relationship with the BPA, which my department has enjoyed over many years will continue."

For more information: media@britishparking.co.uk