The waiting will soon be over. In just a few weeks' time the general election will have taken place and the UK will have a new government. Regardless of who takes up residence in 10 Downing Street, the outcome of the vote will have a significant impact on parking in one way or another, but what has the current resident done for the sector? We take a look below.
Last month, the coalition government released a discussion paper that detailed the parking reforms it has undertaken during its five years in power. It highlighted private parking in particular as an area in which a number of improvements have been made.
These include the introduction of the Protection of Freedoms Act in 2012, which banned all forms of immobilisation without lawful authority and introduced ‘keeper liability', which allows the landowner or their parking management company to pursue the registered keeper of a vehicle if a named driver cannot be traced or denies liability. However, to access such information businesses need to be members of either the British Parking Association (BPA) or the Independent Parking Committee (IPC).
Other reforms the current government highlighted include the introduction of the industry-funded independent appeals services and a limitation of the use of CCTV for parking fines. New grace periods have also been brought into force, while a new right to review parking policies has been established.
So, what does the parking world think of the coalition's achievements? The BPA has suggested little may have actually changed for many parking professionals.
A blog post on the organisation's website stated: "Most local councils have operated grace periods for decades and most if not all of the use of CCTV for parking enforcement occurs at the locations where it is allowed to continue."
"The BPA continues to call for a clarification of the law and believe restrictions in the use of new technologies and management methods are hampering councils’ ability to better manage off-street car parks by ensuring the best use of spaces, improving access for disabled people, introducing user-friendly payment options and reducing operating costs," it added.
The organisation has called on whoever wins the election to clarify the law surrounding the use of new technologies in parking enforcement.
If you would like to voice your opinion on the future direction of parking reform, you can respond to the government's discussion paper here. The document poses a number of questions concerning the sector and you have until May 27th to share your views.
Looking to take the next step in your parking career? Why not let the specialists at Unity give you a helping hand?
