Upfront Time of change Steve Clark reflects on a challenging month for private parking operators, and looks at how the BPA will be working with others to get a workable outcome for the sector When I began my BPA career back in 2010, I never thought that I might one day reach the halcyon heights of writing the lead column for Parking News. However, here I am, doing exactly that as the curtain begins to come down on my time in the wonderful world of parking. Its a shame that I am not able to write this piece against a positive background, but on Monday 7 February, the government made some announcements that will result in very challenging times ahead for our members. Many of you will know that I have fought hard to persuade ministers and their officials that reducing the level of the parking charge deterrent will have serious implications for landowners and parking operators, and for responsible motorists, who pay where they should and dont park where they should not. Ultimately, that battle was lost, but all of us at the BPA are fully committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders government, DVLA and many others to get the very best deal possible for all operators, irrespective of which organisation they belong to. I was posed a question during our recent AOS Conference about whether I would have pushed so hard for better regulation of the sector had I known that the result would be a reduction in the amount of the parking charge and the removal of debt-recovery fees. While I answered no, the truth is the regulation was coming, whether we liked it or not. MPs think the complaints they get are proportionate. Theyre not. We decided it was better to be involved and have input than just be a recipient of what others decided for us as a sector. The approaches to raising standards in private parking are vital to improve its reputation, but effective deterrents are equally important to stop selfish, irresponsible and, in many instances, dangerous parking that blights many locations that our members manage. As I said at the start of this column, I will be leaving BPA Towers and hanging up my auditing gloves at the end of June. In nearly 12 years in the sector, I have made some wonderful friends who I hope will remain in contact. I have also had many different experiences some very challenging but all as part of a sector that broadly supports and encourages each other. Long may that continue. Thank you for your support and for all that you continue to do. All of us at the BPA are fully committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders government, others to get the very best deal possible for all operators, irrespective of which organisation they belong to Steve Clark Director of operations and business development at the British Parking Association steve.c@britishparking.co.uk cdergroup.co.uk britishparking.co.uk 3 CDER Tall Ad 60x266.indd 1 PN March 2022 pp02-03 Upfront.indd 3 20/07/2020 12:53 22/02/2022 14:10