Upfront Carpe diem! Andrew Pester on stepping up and stepping out We are living in extraordinary times. There are profound forces the pandemic, new and enabling legislation, technological change, the drive to a greener economy, changing consumer preferences that are transforming our sector and society. Each presents its own challenges and opportunities. But it is clear that there are few challenges that dont require collaboration and joined-up approaches and it has been amazing to see how our BPA community has come together (in record numbers) in new and innovative ways to support each other. It is clear that our Association is needed more than ever. Our level of political engagement remains high and focuses on those issues that matter most to members. We continue to work closely with the Department for Transport as the commencement date for Moving Traffic Regulations draws nearer and we are continuously updating relevant member resources on our website. We are also working with key stakeholders to help shape the implementation of the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 and continue to share knowledge and advice via a range of channels. We are increasingly connected with government discovery initiatives on Blue Badge improvements, traffic regulation orders, and kerbside digitisation, and actively campaigning for government to deliver on measures to better manage footway parking across Great Britain. We are also embedded in government policymaking conversations connected with improving air quality and enabling EV charging infrastructure. We were delighted that Brighton and Hove has become a Park Active city. Park Active is designed to support active travel options that are tailored to the local needs and recognises the key role of effective parking management to help us all go about our daily lives. It is backed by government and enables more active travel choices that can help create a cleaner, greener society see our lead feature. In this issue, we also focus on our upcoming elections, with 15 seats on our Council of Representatives that members can nominate themselves for or be nominated by someone else by 13 May, with elections for any contested seats held at the end of May and results announced in June. Your voice can help shape the future of our Association and the wider parking sector, so please do consider putting yourself forward. Registration is open now for our first in-person Parkex for three years. This is the UKs biggest and best parking show and it will be wonderful to see you there. Already this year, we have welcomed members to a number of in-person events, including our belated 50th birthday event held in March, and the return of Parking Scotland last month. As the year progresses, we will continue to deliver innovative events and meetings for our BPA community and key partners to come together and share experiences, knowledge, and ideas. Thank you for your tremendous support and being part of our community. Your voice can help shape the future of our Association and the wider sector Andrew Pester Chief executive officer of the British Parking Association andrew.p@britishparking.co.uk cdergroup.co.uk britishparking.co.uk 3 CDER Tall Ad 60x266.indd 1 PN May 2022 pp02-03 Upfront.indd 3 20/07/2020 12:53 21/04/2022 11:55