National news Open-data guidance The Department for Transport has published guidance for local authorities on sharing data and operating an open by default data policy. In 2012, the government published an open data white paper, setting out a vision to maximise the benefits of sharing data. This led to it promoting a policy of open by default for public sector data, across all departments. Local authorities should consider aligning with the government and operating an open by default data policy. See bit.ly/PNMay23UDS and bit.ly/PNMay23HTP Levi funding applications open More than 70 local authorities across England have been invited to apply for Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (Levi) capital funding and further capability funding. The deadline for expressions of interest is 26 May. This builds on the initial pilot of nine local authorities that won Levi funding last year. For more information, see bit.ly/PNMay23EVF Exhaust filters do not remove all pollution Filters fitted to vehicle exhaust systems to remove particulate matter pollution have limited impact on ultrafine particles, research from the University of Birmingham has found. Lead author of the study Professor Roy Harrison said: Our research shows clearly that current, widely used filters are not effective against these smaller particles and we welcome recommendations from the World Health Organization that surveillance of these measurements increase, and note with concern that current concentrations measured in London are classified as high. EV fire-safety guidance: update The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has told Parking News that electric vehicle (EV) fire-safety guidance will be published soon. This follows on from the governments decision to exempt covered car parks from last years building regulation changes that required EV chargepoints to be installed in new buildings in England. During the consultation stage for these regulations, some respondents called for government to conduct further research on appropriate safety measures in covered car parks should an EV fire occur. A spokesperson from OZEV said: Current evidence does not suggest that EV fires are any more likely to occur than in petrol or diesel vehicles, and government is not aware of any EV fires in covered car parks in the UK. Nevertheless, it was considered inappropriate to mandate chargepoints while concerns had been raised. Chargepoints can still be installed voluntarily in these spaces, and this guidance will describe safety considerations covered car park owners and operators may consider when installing. The guidance will also outline the different risk profile for EV fire hazards and safety measures for EVs parking or charging in covered car parks. These will include considerations of thermal monitoring cameras, locations and features of EV chargepoints, distances between parked cars, and firefighting water supplies. The safety of EVs and their charging is of paramount importance to the government and is kept under regular review, said the spokesperson. Government has also committed to continuing to develop research by setting up a steering group of experts across government, industry and academia to better understand EV fires and their impact. Russell Simmons, chair of the BPAs Parking Structures Group, said: The BPA welcomes this news, as we feel guidance is required on this subject to help owners and operators do all they can to ensure the car parks are safe to use and remain so. I am currently representing the BPA as part of the working group looking at structural fire resistance and fire separating elements noted above, and I will ensure the BPA and its structures group are kept informed of developments. Currently, a draft report on the specifics associated with car park structures and Approved Document B has been prepared and is being finalised. As Parking News went to press, news came in of a car park collapse in New York. One person died and five others were seriously injured. It is thought the second floor of the four-storey structure in Manhattans Financial District collapsed first. Simmons said: Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this incident. Car park structural integrity is a priority concern of the BPA Parking Structures Group and it will be following developments closely. 8 PN May 2023 pp08-09 National News.indd 8 25/04/2023 10:59