Zulfiqar Ali UPFRONT Parking privilege Enforcement Agents BPA president Zulfiqar Ali on exciting times to come I am almost halfway through my tenure as President. It has been a fast but enjoyable journey in my role as ambassador for the BPA. Our industry is going through radical transformation perhaps to an extent currently incomprehensible which offers opportunities as well as challenges. We all need to play our part or risk being left behind. I had the privilege of chairing my first Parking Forum in Parliament in July. I was excited to hear contributions from Lilian Greenwood MP, civil servants and other professionals. It was comforting to discover that our sector isnt seen as simply issuing parking tickets, but as something that has a major impact on our transport policies, legislation, infrastructure, economy, and quality of life. Our Association has a talented and committed staff body. Its a pleasure to work so closely with them and see first hand their support and innovation thats driving forward The best preparation for tomorrow is doing our best today the added value in membership. Organising around 100 events a year is not an easy task but what is so impressive is their desire for continuous improvement to ensure our events are delivering for you. This was evident from the various events that I have attended, including the Scotland Expo in Stirling in September, and the Tomorrows World, Today Annual Conference in London in October. Both were splendid events that offered great opportunities to network, share knowledge and experience, and listen to fascinating presentations on what may lie ahead. When I attended our Health Sector meeting in York, I was pleasantly surprised to see how this area is evolving to address the sensitive issues that surround parking at hospitals. There was no shortage of creativity and innovation in tailoring solutions to meet local needs. The best preparation for tomorrow is doing our best today. The future offers even greater opportunities for us all to have a serious and positive impact on customer interactions, ease of travel, accessible parking and the environment, for our own wellbeing and that of future generations. There are exciting times ahead, including our role at an international level in the standardisation of data and the development of an international parking qualification for managers. Domestically, we are playing a well-recognised role in supporting government legislative plans: Footway Parking and the Parking (Code of Practice) Bills; a review of the Blue Badge scheme; policies on petrol/diesel cars; the drive to expand the network of electric car charging points; and autonomous vehicles. I look forward to my next six months, as we all continue on this exciting journey. In the meantime, I wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Zulfiqar Ali I would highly recommend Collect to any organisation Client survey Added Value Cost Savings EA Body Worn Video Statistical Analysis Proven High Collection Rate Nationwide Enforcement Live Case Information PAYE Enforcement Agents Transparency Over 40 Years Experience Reliability If you want high collection rates and a quality service to match, contact Andrew Ferrar, Business Development Director on: E: aferrar@collectservices.com T: 07920 221 572 www.collectservices.com OVER PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH PARKING ASSOCIATION INFO@BRITISHPARKING.CO.UK BRITISHPARKING.CO.UK 3 PNDec18 pp02-03 Upfront.indd 3 Collect_Serv_advert_PN_60x265_JUL18.indd 1 18/07/2018 11:11 26/11/2018 16:08