, Political perspective Leading the way Work on the Parking (Code of Practice) Act is gearing up, and the BPA is at the forefront The passing of the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, in March last year, signalled the biggest change to the private parking landscape since 2012. The BPA and our members played a crucial role in its introduction, but the Act is only enabling legislation; now the hard work begins. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has set out its plans for consulting on the proposed single code of practice. As the consultation process begins, operators, landowners and a wide range of stakeholders will be making their voices heard. The BPAs head of business operations, Steve Clark, says: It has long been an aspiration of the BPA to establish a standard-setting body, overseeing a single [It is] important that operators and landowners contribute to the development of the code code of practice, and one independent appeals service. These will give the motoring public a level playing field when dealing with parking operators that manage private land, and eradicate confusion created by multiple codes and appeals services. Engaging operators and landowners The BPA will continue to lead the way in shaping the future code. To assist with this, it has engaged Steve Thompson, of Steve Thompson Consulting, to work with members over the coming months. Thompson is a well-known figure in local authority parking, with more than 26 years experience across the country. Arising from his work on the BPAs Professional Development and Standards Board, he has chaired the BPAs AOS Code of Practice Review Group since 2016. The review group has been a fascinating insight into private parking similar in many ways to local authority enforcement, but with interesting differences, says Thompson. Helping the BPA with the implementation of the single Code of Practice is a natural development of that role. Clark adds: As the various initiatives outlined in the Act come to fruition, we are keen to work constructively with all BPA members, and we are delighted that we have been able to secure the services of someone of the calibre of Steve to spearhead our activities. process, the BPA is preparing to send a short questionnaire to operators. This is not only an opportunity to gather vital data to help the BPA make a robust case to government, but it will also begin the process of fully engaging operators. Im looking forward to speaking to as many members as possible in the next few weeks, says Thompson. There is much that the BPA can do for operators, but we also want to show how important it is that operators and landowners contribute positively to the development of the code. It has long been an aspiration of the BPA to establish a standardsetting body, overseeing a single code of practice, and one independent appeals service First steps As the crucial first step in the consultation 40 britishparking.co.uk PN May20 pp40-41 Political Perspective.indd 40 23/04/2020 13:13