BPA political perspective Exciting times Sarah Greenslade gives an update on some key strands of the BPAs lobbying and campaign work wild guess here, but are MPs a little more available to engage with because of a big political event on the horizon?! At BPA Live! in April, Department for Transport minister Richard Holden delivered an upbeat speech (see pages 40-42). He listed the great things our sector is involved in delivering and reminded us that the BPA is uniquely placed to work with the department on its drive to make travel by road easier, more efficient and safer, while making the most of the exciting possibilities technology can offer. He could have added making it greener, too. A Feeling the heat Our sector may not yet be experts on solar canopies, but, nonetheless, this spring we responded to a government consultation on permitted development rights of installing canopies in car parks. At this stage, the government proposes that it only applies to surface car parks. However, members are keen to have the top decks of multi-storey car parks (MSCPs) included too. If the government did decide to include the permitted development rights of solar canopies in MSCPs, they would, of course, be subject to all the normal structural design and Building Regulations. in part because local authorities are introducing the default 20mph speed limits this September. This is a temporary setback and the Pavement Parking Taskforce is ready to support the government on the statutory and operational guidance when called upon. For more, see pages 8-9 of Marchs Parking News: bit.ly/PNJun23WPP The future of the NPP Multi-storey car parks (safety) Bill The future funding of the National Parking Platform (NPP), to support its rollout nationwide, has been a popular topic during MPs questions in the House of Commons see pages 8-9 and the political perspective from Clive Betts MP on page 54. See also pages 24-25 of Mays Parking News: bit.ly/PNJun23NPP The government has objected to this bill. Maria Eagle MP has confirmed that she will continue to promote it. The BPA has met with her to offer to help inform the bills content and consequences. We do, of course, share a common objective of ensuring that Britains car parks are safe for everyone who uses them. See also pages 8-9 of Aprils Parking News: bit.ly/PNJun23SB On hold in Wales In April, the Welsh government announced a delay in the pavement parking consultation, 3G switch-off Vodaphone, the first company to start the phased 3G switch-off, had at the time of writing not yet published its UK switch-off plan. In Basingstoke and Plymouth, 3G was switched off at the end of February, and is reported to have gone smoothly: see pages 28-29 of Mays Parking News: bit.ly/PNJun233G Engage with your MP Useful links 3G: bit.ly/PNMay23SO Permitted development rights of solar canopies: bit.ly/PNJun23SC Multi-storey car parks (safety) Bill: bit.ly/PNJun23CPB BPA news and campaigns: www.britishparking-media.co.uk At the AOS Conference in April, a plea was made for everyone affected by the Parking Code of Practice to contact their MPs now before the consultation. See pages 30-32 of Mays Parking News: bit.ly/PNJun23AOS Sarah Greenslade BPA public affairs and communications officer sarahg@britishparking.co.uk 48 PN June 2023 pp48-49 BPA Political Perspective.indd 48 23/05/2023 14:18