Park life Goodwill: and not just at Christmas Isaac Occhipinti reflects on his first three months in the parking sector, the wider perception of the industry by politicians and the press, and the change that is needed am new to the parking world. Before joining the BPA, I probably shared most peoples clichd views of traffic enforcement the sometimes comical image of a traffic warden, or overzealous parking surveillance. So, three months on, what have I learned? First, I was wrong! The parking sector is a complex, multilayered operation. It seems to be genuinely trying to balance the needs of motorists, traffic enforcement and offering convenient, safe parking. Its not exactly an easy task. From reading the press every day, however, you wouldnt know it especially when politicians get involved. I watched on in despair when Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper proudly proclaimed at the Conservative Party conference that they want cheaper and easier parking, while simultaneously removing many of the tools available to councils and operators to provide it. Some motoring organisations celebrated the announcement, saving poor motorists from the evil clutches of enforcement. Yet, ironically, effective parking management helps the majority of motorists. We know from our own research that drivers value finding a place to park and good car park facilities above all else. This obsession with fines seems to be missing the point entirely. I Probably the area of which I was least aware and possibly the most serious is the continuing breakdown in behaviour leading to violence against those employed to enforce rules Number crunching I read a Times article ironically, behind a paywall about a 1bn cash cow being milked by council parking charges. Preposterous of Dudley to have the audacity to charge 5 for all-day parking. I recently paid more than that for an ice cream for my daughter (not that I am condoning 5 ice creams). A simple investigation of the numbers shows how much effective parking and traffic management actually costs councils; even with parking charges, it still results in a net loss for most (and a big one at that). Motoring organisations are the first to complain that there isnt enough parking; its not policed properly; theres a lack of facilities. So maybe, just maybe, they could work with us, avoid such divisive statements, and understand what really happens to the income raised from parking. Time for change Probably the area of which I was least aware and possibly the most serious is the continuing breakdown in behaviour leading to violence against those employed to enforce rules. It is clear we need better powers and protection for frontline officers. It chimes with some harrowing events that were discussed in a frontline officer meeting I sat in on. What is not helpful is parking being used as a political football, kicked to seemingly get voters on side, damn the consequences. This rhetoric cannot be helpful and often fuels the hostility. We all need to be aware of the consequences of what we do and say publicly. Lets hope our elected representatives are listening, too. Its been a fascinating first three months. I have learned a lot, but it seems there is so much to do to help the sector something Im very much looking forward to. Ending on a seasonal note: goodwill to all! Isaac Occhipinti BPA head of external affairs isaac.o@britishparking. co.uk 33 PN Dec 2023 pp32-33 Park Life.indd 33 01/12/2023 11:02