Upfront We must make our voices and expertise heard, says Andrew Pester Speaking up I hope you all managed to get some time away watch our previous webinars on this topic by during the summer holidays. This year has visiting britishparking.co.uk/Past-Webinars proved to be another busy and productive one We will be providing further opportunities for for the Association and its members. you to engage with our staff and members as At the end of July, the government issued the process unfolds (see pages 44-45). a call for evidence to inform its review of Our autumn events season kicks off parking charges and debt-recovery fees in later this month with the popular Parking the private parking sector. It is an important Scotland Expo in Edinburgh (see pages 18-20). opportunity to Among the topics evidence the need for being discussed the parking charge and debated will It is an important amount to be a opportunity to evidence the be the level of sufficient deterrent penalty charge that need for the parking charge Transport Scotland to enable effective amount to be a sucient parking management, has consulted on deterrent to enable effective recently. An increase and for the debtrecovery fee to enable was recommended parking management a debt-resolution to ensure that process and support there continues for vulnerable motorists. to be an effective deterrent to selfish and We welcome the call for evidence, which irresponsible parking. follows the introduction of the Parking Local authority penalty charge levels (Code of Practice) Act 2019, and most of the remain a key focus of BPA lobbying activities measures it seeks to introduce, including a as we strive to ensure that our members single code, a single appeals service, and a have the tools they need to manage standards-setting body. parking effectively, and it demonstrates The consultation closes on 8 October, our ongoing commitment to supporting our and I urge all of you on whom this impacts to membership community. respond. Our team is ready to support you with your response, so please contact BPA chief executive aos-member-enquiries@britishparking.co.uk andrew.p@britishparking.co.uk if you need any help or guidance. You can also Andrew Pester 3 PN Sept 2023 pp02-03 Upfront .indd 3 24/08/2023 10:55