Parking stories in the News/media

Kaizen2024

NottinghamParkingTickets said:

Kaizen2024 said:

Not quite what was said. He was asked if people should pay if they feel the charge is unfair etc and the response was not to pay; but follow the appeals process.

Talking in the third person is not a good look.

lol, I’m clearly not who you think I am.

p.s welcome back.

Coupon-mad

We know who you are from another post you made. I didn't watch the drivel spouted and won't. I don't like Richard Madeley anyway, never mind H.

Boat_to_Bolivia

Coupon-mad said:

We know who you are from another post you made. I didn't watch the drivel spouted and won't. I don't like Richard Madeley anyway, never mind H.

Who in their right mind does?

kryten3000

WillH has written an "An open letter to those who criticise the private parking sector"

"I see you.

I’ve heard your comments.

I’ve read your concerns.

And I want to talk.

In a world where it’s all too easy to criticise from the sidelines, I want to extend an open, genuine invitation: come and meet with me. Whether publicly or privately, I want to sit down and listen. Let’s have a constructive conversation, one grounded in solutions and making things better.

Because if we all agree that things can be better, let’s work together to make them so.

𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞

Parking is complex. It’s not always perfect. But it is essential. Every single day, more than 68.5 million parking events take place across the UK. This is a service that underpins access to local shops, high streets, NHS facilities, transport hubs, and so much more. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about keeping the country moving. And behind this immense task is a sector working hard to raise standards, ensure fairness, and protect the compliant motorist. Enforcement is part of that, because it’s necessary. Without it, compliance falls, selfish actions rise, and those who have a genuine need or right are often left without it.

It’s also worth remembering, this isn’t just about car parks. The private sector plays a crucial role in managing no-stopping zones in high-risk areas, including airports, where these measures are in place to ensure safety and support anti-terrorism efforts.

𝐀𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

We can do better. But better happens when we come together, when criticism becomes collaboration. So, if you have concerns, questions, or ideas, my door is open. I want to hear from you. And most importantly, I want to work with you.

Let’s focus less on shouting across the divide and more on bridging it.

Stop chasing headlines and start creating constructive conversation.

Let’s be part of the solution, together.

So, to the Critics of the sector, I’m here. Let’s talk."

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-letter-those-who-criticise-private-parking-sector-will-hurley-g8pge/?trackingId=L7ntd96nTy2u4ebalF39oA==

Coupon-mad

I read that yesterday and gave it the attention he deserves.

Coupon-mad

Kaizen2024 said:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14720991/amp/Parking-fines-rocket-75-cent-DfT-refuses-rule-increasing-charges-outside-London.html

Finally the DFT are waking up to the fact that existing rates offer zero deterrant, with it often being cheaper to risk a fine than pay for parking.

Oooh that didn't last long did it?!



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14733213/amp/Labour-ministers-forced-humiliating-U-turn-planned-parking-rises-Mail-expose-revealed-soar-75-cent.html

Looks like the Government is finally waking up to the fact that motoring groups speak loads more sense than the ATAs do.

History shows that evidence from the BPA as a 'stakeholder' is ... errrrmmm... questionable to say the least, given their track record:

- 2011 - BPA said to the DFT that 'keeper liability' on private land would 'reduce the burden on the courts and give much-needed clarity' (I particularly love that tired old phrase). Slight problem: the BPA misled the DFT massively as regards court claim numbers and they indisputably knew, or should have known, that their influential flagship AOS member, ParkingEye was setting up a legal team to sue the pants off motorists;

- 2022 - "£19 billion hit to the economy" 

https://www.britishparking-media.co.uk/news/government-proposals-to-reduce-parking-charges-will-lead-to-a-gbp-19-5-billion-hit-to-the-uk-economy

Utter codswallop!

Power to the motoring groups and other good guys & gals on the steering group, as the MHCLG now seems close to finalising its stance for private land parking regulation. This looks positive.

Nellymoser

This is looking less positive.

The government has today (21 May 2025) confirmed that, following successful collaboration with the sector, the British Parking Association will now take forward the development and running of the National Parking Platform (NPP).

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-teams-with-parking-giants-to-ensure-drivers-can-use-preferred-apps-in-all-car-parks

I find it surprising the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood feels the BPA has the capabilities to develop and run the 'national parking platform". 

The PP sector's CoP, lack of response and inaction to issues raised about their members unworkable car paying systems proves the BPA doesn't want to make paying for parking easier for the motorist. 

The government said they "will maintain oversight of the platform by monitoring the sector’s compliance with these terms". Let's hope they're planned monitoring of the BPA is better than the DVLA has been.

patient_dream

I find it surprising the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood feels the BPA has the capabilities to develop and run the 'national parking platform".

She must be joking, the BPA has had over 12 years to put it's act together and ended up a FAILURE

Lilian Greenwood better think it out again, we do not want a repeat of the last 12 plus years

Coupon-mad

Nellymoser said:

This is looking less positive.

The government has today (21 May 2025) confirmed that, following successful collaboration with the sector, the British Parking Association will now take forward the development and running of the National Parking Platform (NPP).

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-teams-with-parking-giants-to-ensure-drivers-can-use-preferred-apps-in-all-car-parks

I find it surprising the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood feels the BPA has the capabilities to develop and run the 'national parking platform". 

The PP sector's CoP, lack of response and inaction to issues raised about their members unworkable car paying systems proves the BPA doesn't want to make paying for parking easier for the motorist. 

The government said they "will maintain oversight of the platform by monitoring the sector’s compliance with these terms". Let's hope they're planned monitoring of the BPA is better than the DVLA has been.

I'm not overly worried about that.

Just means a system with universal acceptance, whatever app you wish to use for parking. Unity 5 (they of the Zatpark software) can no doubt set this app system up and their guys are reasonable. It will also affect councils so the BPA has to get this right.

And it saves the taxpayer money to use for more important things, like docking the tails of the parking industry and forcing them to see what reasonable consumer ethics look like.

Car1980

I always find it interesting that the contract is never included in the app and displayed to you before you pay.

Would be very easy to include a "tick to confirm you have read this and agree to the terms" box.