The British Parking Association (BPA) has confirmed support for recently released Which? research on UK parking.
Keith Banbury, chief executive of the BPA, said: "Real change in the parking industry should be based on informed research. To help boost consumer confidence the BPA has also produced an independent strategic review of the way Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) is operated throughout the country. The Which? research echoes many of our own findings and recommendations, so we are glad to see that there are others like ourselves who are also concerned about the improvement and development of the industry. The DPE review, which was presented to the Department for Transport in July 2005, provides over 40 recommended solutions for the challenges faced by us in the operation of on-street parking management throughout the UK. The review is particularly strong in areas such as fines, transparency and signage, and is designed to assist the Government in putting together statutory guidance notes in respect of the Traffic Management Act 2004, the notes of which are expected to be issued to local authorities early in 2006. If taken on by local authorities, these statutory guidelines could substantially impact the application of the law throughout the UK, which we hope will create a more consistent, transparent and trusted system of parking enforcement.
"I would urge the DfT to take third party research on board, and we look forward to working in partnership with them to effect real change in the industry."
The DPE review was produced by former Lincolnshire Chief Constable Richard Childs following meetings with a number of stakeholders, parking industry steering groups and motoring organisations. A full copy of the DPE review can be viewed at the BPA website.
