Cost-of-living crisis The sector has its role to play in nudging motorists behaviour to choose alternative modes of transport when and wherever they can. This may well result in a modal shift in how charges are implemented, to deliver a positive environmental impact on our communities authority: how do we keep offering an affordable service to a public that is mindful of every penny spent; how do we run our operation as a successful and sustainable business in the face of a recession; and, crucially, how on earth do we play our part in putting the brakes on the rapidly escalating climate crisis? Taking control It is a discussion being played out within every local authority across the country and is illustrated by a debate that raged in a recent meeting of Falkirk Council. A motion for free parking in the town centre was proposed to support the local town centre and help staff working in the town centre who were on low wages. The argument against the motion pointed out that these charges generated 65,000 of income, 15,000 more than anticipated. Who to support? Motorists who may be struggling financially or local authorities who need every penny to provide the services crucial for the wider economy. This was Falkirks dilemma, but it rings true across the UK. For every council member who wants to support their constituents, particularly with local elections around the corner, there is a finance officer trying to make the figures add up. Zoe Hall is strategic parking manager at Cornwall Council. She acknowledges the pressures faced by her own local authority, but has decided to focus on one area that the parking services department can control: simplifying the service and increasing accessibility. There is always pressure to make car parks cheaper or free, to encourage town 18 vitality. However, with rising costs across the board, this impacts on our ability to maintain and improve our assets, she says. The current proposal is to simplify tariffs within Cornwall. There will be increases and decreases in charges, but the main purpose of the tariff review is to ensure that car parks are accessible, with consistent pricing for all motorists. Hall explains that the existing car park tariff system across the county is complex. The significant piece of work being done to address this is also taking into consideration different means of transport. We have paid close attention to the alternative modes of transport in and around our town, such as cycle routes, park and ride services, and the current bus fare schemes, which allow all-day travel for 5. The charges have been set to reflect areas that have good alternative transport links. For Hall, the answer is control the controllable and seek to offer a service despite the current financial turmoil. Parking charge reviews aplenty Even as local authorities begin, or continue, their review processes, it is worth noting the experiences of Mark Downer, parking services manager for the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight parking team have been looking at a range of measures to increase both efficiency and service levels. A trial for free parking for an hour in three popular short-stay car parks in Newport town centre resulted in 62,000 additional parking transactions across the car parks in the first six months of the trial. The resulting loss of income was covered by both the local authority and the town council. There was also an increase in parking tariffs across the local authority facilities and the introduction of charges on popular seafront esplanades during the winter for the first time, which has resulted in a welcome boost to on-street income, although maintaining off-street parking income remains a challenge. Downer sums it up: We are seeing a picture of mixed messages considerably more parking transactions but no guarantee that forecasted income levels will be met. In terms of instruction about tightening the purse strings regarding procurement, for as long as I can remember that is what is expected of managers namely to treat council money as if it was your own. A happier workforce There is also the question of how to keep staff motivated when the cost of living for families and individuals is so high. At a time when industrial action is occurring on a scale that is reminiscent of the 1970s, is there any danger that civil enforcement officers (CEOs) and back-office staff could withdraw their labour? Edward Amusan, of Comity Recruitment, doesnt think so: Luckily, the industrial actions havent spilled over to the parking sector. Within the sector, industrial strike is more localised and I dont see this changing any time soon. However, Amusan says employers should be considering the needs of their workforce to a greater degree if they are to attract and retain the best staff. Many jobs in the parking industry, particularly entry-level positions such as parking attendants or CEOs are not paid well. This can make it difficult to attract and retain employees. There is also a lack of office support and low morale. The majority of CEOs say to us the main reason for leaving or wanting to leave is the lack of support from the management team. This can range from an absence of appreciation and recognition for a job well done to a lack of support after having a bad day on the street. CEOs are conscious that they are key income generators, but they dont perceive higher wages trickling back in their direction, says Amusan. To retain staff, he suggests the profession consider increasing wages for entry-level positions, such as parking attendants and CEOs, to make the industry more attractive to potential employees and reduce turnover.