BPA News Webinar is a hit The BPAs first webinar was a huge success, and more are set to follow. The session, which was sponsored by E.ON, took place on Thursday 25 October and attracted 107 participants on the day, with many more tuning in at a later date. Hosted by Julian OKelly, the BPAs head of technology, innovation and research, the topic was the electric vehicle charging market. The challenges facing parking decision-makers, landowners and operators were discussed in detail by three key speakers Hannah Collishaw from E.ON Drive, Daniel Brown from Renewable Energy Association, and Nick Lester-Davis, traffic and parking consultant. The impacts of government strategies particularly the Road to Zero strategy and international forces were discussed in the context of the predicted growth in the EV market, and what charging infrastructure needs to be in place to support this increase. There are opportunities to tap into this market and increase revenues, but also challenges, such as supplying on-street charging in urban areas for residents who do not have off-street parking at home. There was the chance for the audience to ask questions, and the speakers were asked their opinions on aspects ranging from whether the National Planning Policy Framework goes far enough to support the rollout of EVs, to the best methods of collecting payment for EV charging. The webinar provided some useful insights in an easy-to-access format with a broad range of viewpoints ranging from the energy sector, to parking operators, and a national view given via the Renewable Energy Association, said Amy Beasley, transport strategy and growth manager, Stockport Council. The debate and discussion recognised the challenges local authorities are experiencing and some potential actions we can collectively make to deliver our EV ambitions. I thought it was brilliant, added Manny Rasores de Toro, technology and services consultant. The format means that people increase their knowledge and participate in discussions without the time and cost implications of travelling to an event elsewhere. You can listen again at britishparking. co.uk/EV-charging-webinar If you are interested in presenting or sponsoring a future webinar, please get in touch with John Wheaton at john.wheaton@cpl.co.uk SEE YOU AT THE AOS CONFERENCE Parkex 2019 we have lift-off The BPAs agship event, Parkex, returns to the NEC Birmingham in 2019 and will be held over three days from Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 April. It will run alongside Traffex, offering the biggest combined road, trac, parking and transport event in the UK. The Parkex team is busy preparing what promises to be a packed three days of discussions, presentations and socialising. More details will follow in the new year, but for those of you who just cant wait, you can register and book your stand now at parkex.co.uk If you would like to participate in popular Parkex Hub sessions, please get in touch with the team at membership@britishparking.co.uk Following a successful first year, the BPA AOS Conference returns on Tuesday 19 February to Aston Villa FC. Free to Approved Operators, there will be updates on the Approved Operator Scheme and the Parking (Code of Practice) Bill, and a GDPR refresher. Motivational speaker and retired footballer Fabrice Muamba will share his story, and there will be plenty of opportunities to network and catch up with colleagues from the profession. Places are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so book yours now at: bit.ly/2RQY64R There are a few exhibition stands remaining please contact membership@britishparking.co.uk fordetails. GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRITISHPARKING.CO.UK 11 PNDec18 pp11-13 BPA News.indd 11 27/11/2018 10:20