AOS Conference Keeping you informed Louise Parfitt reports on last months virtual AOS conference he Parking Code of Practice introduces a new framework for the private parking sector. Uncertainty [over what the final Code will look like] still prevails, but we wanted to give you some good steers as we look towards the end of the year. With these words, John McArdle, chair of the BPA London group and former BPA President, welcomed delegates to the AOS Conference 2023. It had been postponed from its usual February slot because of ongoing delays by government in issuing an impact assessment and consultation on the level of parking charge, and the removal of the debt-recovery fee following the withdrawal of the proposed Code last year. Sara Roberts, head of Conformity Assessment Body Transition, acknowledged T the frustrations of being in a holding position, but she reassured members that government engagement with stakeholders representing the sector was high. The BPA and its members have been working with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities [DLUHC] to gather a wealth of intelligence, she said. DLUHC is using the insights to draft the impact assessment and consultation, and will be scrutinised by the Regulatory Policy Committee, so everything is subject to scrutiny by an independent body. Although DLUHC has not yet given a revised date, or said how the delay will impact on Code implementation timelines, it has told us that the consultation will be launched before the summer recess in July. With this in mind, Roberts urged AOS members to make their voices heard. The consultation is your opportunity to share your evidence-based opinions, and we urge you to get landowners opinions, too. Share these views now: write to your local MP about the valuable service you provide and the wider impact of selfish motorist behaviour. Joining the dots Connor Greely, BPA Council representative for Parking on Private Land Operators, spoke about how members can make an impactful submission. Of 120 AOS members, only 38 submitted a response to the last consultation, he said. From BPA research, we know the most important factors when it comes to parking are safety, proximity to location, and cost of stay. We need to do our bit to show how, without effective deterrents, these things are in jeopardy. 30 PN May 2023 pp30-33 AOS conference_V2.indd 30 25/04/2023 11:27