Parking Scotland Expo preview Scottish showcase Dave Smith, BPA head of communications and marketing, looks ahead to next months Scotland Expo he popular BPA Parking Scotland Expo returns to Edinburgh on 14 September. This year it is at a new venue: the Village Hotel close to the city centre. We also welcome a new face and new chair for Parking Scotland Karl Russell, managing director of Local Car Park Management Russell is based in Ayr on the south-west coast of Scotland and has worked in the parking sector since 2006 after leaving the Royal Air Force. He says he is extremely aware of the need to ensure that the BPA is engaging with its members in Scotland on matters of local interest. In the main, the group has traditionally attracted local authority members but Russell is eager to ensure a broader appeal by including topics that translate to all sectors and are of genuine interest north of the border. I am keen to bring in more representatives from Scottish NHS Boards, universities, major landowners and stakeholders in the region, as well as the Scottish government, he says. I am passionate about issues related to inclusivity and accessibility, especially with regards to access to EV chargepoints, and to ensuring that the parking and travel experience in Scotland is one that is fit for all. T On the agenda This years Expo will include sessions on: EV charging infrastructure Inclusivity and accessibility Managing the kerbside, including dangerous and obstructive parking Blue Badge abuse and enforcement Private Parking Code of Practice Data standards and the National Parking Platform BPA updates and latest news Government policy updates Representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Tribunals, Scottish Futures Trust, and the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) have all been invited to speak, as well as representatives from the healthcare, higher-education and energy sectors. I look forward to seeing many of you in Edinburgh, says Russell. Thank you to our sponsors Metric and RingGo, and to all of our exhibitors for supporting this event. It is set to be a fantastic day full of forward thinking, knowledge sharing, and networking. Need to know When: 14 September, 9am-5pm Where: Village Hotel, Edinburgh EH4 2NY Who: Speakers from Transport Scotland and SCOTS, as well as experts and peers from across the sector and beyond sharing knowledge and best practice How: For more information and to book your place, visit britishparking.co.uk/ Parking-Scotland-Expo Gold sponsor: Metric Silver sponsor: RingGo To book exhibition space, email michelle.b@britishparking.co.uk 21