Editors comment New term As we herald the start of autumn, Louise Parfitt looks at politics and parking Im hanging on to the last of the summer with a week off before my children go back to school, but it means I will miss the long-awaited return of the Parking Scotland Expo on 1 September. I am so disappointed, because it is one of my favourite BPA events, but I will be leaving the reporting in the capable hands of our fabulous writer (and former editor) Sarah Juggins. This issue, Sarah has been looking at how parking charges can often get political (see pages 14-16), and this theme is continued from a legal standpoint by BPA Lawline (see pages 22-23) and by the BPAs Kelvin Reynolds, in his popular Park life column (see page 44). As we wait for a decision from government on the levels of private parking charges, it is interesting and enlightening to read the different opinions on the subject. We also report on views across the pond at the recent International Parking and Mobility Institutes conference and exhibition. This huge four-day event showcases the developments in the sector in North America, with some interesting predictions for its future direction. There have been some changes at the top of the BPA after the recent Council elections, so, this issue, we meet some of those chosen to represent you (pages 30-33). Of course, there are many ways you can get more involved with the BPA turn to pages 40-41 for details, and keep an eye on future editions of Parking News, as we continue to shine a light on all the good work with which BPA members are involved. We want to share your stories, so please get in touch at louise.parfitt@cpl.co.uk 7 PN Sept 2022 pp06-07 Editors Comment.indd 7 22/08/2022 09:09