Editors comment Good tidings In with the new, but not necessarily out with the old, says Louise Parfitt, as we look back at 2023 and ahead to a new year Sometimes, the very thing we need is right in front of us we just havent noticed it yet. Thats what I thought when we were planning this issue and the BPAs Jonathan Allan told us about plug and charge. This is where the electric vehicle and charger handle the whole charging and payment process without the driver needing an app, an RFID/prepayment card or any method of payment on their person. There has even been an ISO standard for this process since 2012! We investigated, and you can read the article on pages 12-14. There were more developments in the digital sphere in Novembers Kings Speech. The government intends to bring in an Automated Vehicles Bill in the next parliament. AppyWays Dan Hubert looks at what this means for digital kerbside management on page 24, and there are further updates on pages 6-7. As its December, and the last issue of the year, we look back at some of the sectors achievements and news in 2023. I hasten to add that this is just a snapshot: there were many more we wanted to include, but space dictated what we could fit in. See pages 16-17. Well done to all who entered the Ernest Davies Award and congratulations to the winner, David Peach, and runner up, Russell Simmons, who received their prizes at the Members Dinner (pages 26-27). Do remember, if you have an achievement to showcase, or knowledge to share, we always want to hear from you. Wishing you all a peaceful festive season and all the best for 2024. Please get in touch with your news and views: louise.parfitt@cplone.co.uk 4 PN Dec 2023 pp04-05 Contents.indd 4 01/12/2023 10:45