BPA news BPA joins RHA campaign for safer lorry parking EDI report invaluable to BPA See bit.ly/PNJun23HGV Read more about lorry parking and the BPAs work to make it safer at bit.ly/PNMay23SPS The BPA has published its Equalities, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Research Report 2023. This explores EDI in the parking sector based on a study carried out in 2022 by Blue Squirrel Research, an organisation that specialises in the social sciences, social impact measurement, third-sector research and business consultancy. Out of 331 respondents to the online survey: Eight per cent were disabled 10 per cent neurodivergent 16 per cent non-heterosexual 47 per cent female 51 per cent male. Respondents were asked, among other things, what they thought about a career in the parking sector; what more the sector could do to increase equality, diversity and inclusion; and the benefits of increased equality, diversity and inclusion. 32 per cent said it was an interesting, varied job, but people have a negative image of it. 19 per cent said a parking career offered a wide range of opportunities, but these need to be better communicated. 36 per cent thought there should be better communication of EDI in the sector. 40 per cent thought increased EDI would bring a balanced approached to job progression, where everyone is treated on merit. Andrew Pester, BPA chief executive, said: The reports recommendations will be invaluable in helping to inform future BPA policy in relation to EDI. We will harness the findings of this research to inspire and enable a culture of inclusion and diversity, promote and provide career opportunities, and encourage continuous professional development. Parking News shortlisted BPA members can download the report at britishparking.co.uk/EDI-Research The BPA has joined the Road Haulage Associations (RHAs) campaign to lobby government to provide better roadside facilities, including safe and secure parking, for coach and lorry drivers. In an open letter to the Prime Minister, 75 MPs and dozens of businesses and organisations, including the BPA, called for more action to create safe and secure overnight parking spaces for hauliers and coach drivers. Nationally, there is an estimated shortage of 11,000 spaces. This situation leads to drivers often taking rest periods in insecure locations with no access to basic facilities and no protection from criminals looking to steal valuable loads or fuel. We are thrilled that Parking News, which is produced by CPL, has been shortlisted for Best Magazine (under 20k circulation) at the Memcom Excellence Awards 2023. The awards take place in September. Wish us luck! Dates for your diary TTF Smarter Parking Group, 14 July 2023 (virtual) Parking Scotland, 14 September (in-person, Edinburgh) Parking and Transport Wales, 18 October (in-person, Swansea) For more information, see britishparking.co.uk/events AGM update The BPAs 53rd AGM will take place in the autumn this year, which is a change from the traditional July slot. Further details about how you can register will be included in a future issue. Celebrating Park Mark achievers A Care Park UK car park in Londons Docklands, Imagine Parking an airport park-and-ride company in Liverpool and The Broadwalk Centre in the London Borough of Barnet have all been accredited with Park Mark after demonstrating the highest standards. Antony Powell and Mark Osmond, BPA area managers, praised the efforts of Care Park UK and Imagine Parking in providing a safe environment for users. PC Steve Downing, Met Police designing out crime officer, said: The Broadwalk Centres emphasis on safety and security is reducing the opportunity for anti-social behaviour and crime. Meanwhile, The Hollies truckstop in Staffordshire, and Avon Lodge truckstop near Bristol, received Park Mark Freight accreditation. Kully Tanda, From left: Kate Williams, Avon Lodge site manager, Pete Wozniak, police designing out crime officer and Park Mark assessor, and Chas Cannon, BPA area manager from Staffordshire Police, said: The commitment shown by The Hollies to put in place security measures is greatly welcomed by us. Kate Williams, manager of Avon Lodge, said: We have always made security a top priority. We are proud to have Park Mark Freight accreditation. Read more about the BPA area managers work on pages 46-47. 52 PN June 2023 pp52-53 BPA news.indd 52 23/05/2023 12:19