Political perspective CLIVE BETTS, MP FOR SHEFFIELD SOUTH EAST AND CHAIR OF THE LEVELLING UP, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE Accessible for all The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committees work to ensure no-one is left behind in the new, digital world Parking is an important part of our transport infrastructure. On the doorstep during canvassing and campaigning, I hear constituents talk about issues theyve had with finding suitable places to park or, perhaps unsurprisingly, where they feel theyve been hit by high parking charges or an unfair fine. The ability to find suitable, affordable and accessible places to park is an important part of our everyday lives. In many areas, parking also underpins the success of our local economies people value being able to find convenient and affordable places to park when they visit our villages, towns and cities. The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee has taken an interest in car parking issues in this parliament. Our initial focus1 was on the governments Private Parking Code of Practice enforcement framework: how it affects motorists who park on private facilities and the regulation of that parking, particularly with charges that are enforced when motorists do not comply with the rules in place at that location. Ministers confirmed in recent correspondence to the committee that they are continuing to develop the code, which will set In correspondence to the committee, the government has claimed that the National Parking Platform pilot has demonstrated that a digital parking service can be delivered The ability to find suitable, affordable and accessible places to park is an important part of our everyday lives. In many areas, parking also underpins the success of our local economies out rules that private parking companies across England, Scotland and Wales must follow. More recently, on public parking, a series of accounts have come to light of motorists being, in effect, digitally excluded, as local authorities phase out pay-as-you-go parking meters, leaving people to rely on smartphone apps to pay. Local authorities have pointed to the cost of changing the meters to 4G as mobile providers prepare to switch off their 3G networks across the country amid advances in technology. While many will value the convenience of using a smartphone app, I am concerned that others may be left to wrestle with countless apps to pay a parking charge, or risk a fine when they arent able to navigate the app successfully.2 These developments pose particular difficulties for elderly or vulnerable motorists who may not have a smartphone, or who may struggle to use apps if they do. Operators involved in the development of the National Parking Platform (NPP) will be familiar with some of the issues raised by this digital divide. In correspondence to the committee, the government has claimed that the NPP pilot has demonstrated that a digital parking service can be delivered.3 The government has also confirmed it is considering the governance and funding models that could facilitate the wider rollout of the NPP. Its important that parking operators, including local councils, enable the needs of all customers to be met and that people can pay for their parking in a convenient way. I look forward to further updates from ministers on how they intend to facilitate the wider rollout of the NPP and ensure there are suitable provisions for people to make parking payments so no-one is digitally excluded. 1 bit.ly/June23PCPF see also the followup letter at bit.ly/PNJun23LE 2 bit.ly/PNJun23LE2 3 bit.ly/PNJun23RE 54 PN June 2023 pp54 Political Perspective.indd 54 23/05/2023 12:20