Independent Parking Committee sets out its case

Since the Independent Parking Committee’s launch in August 2013 we have made great strides in improving the standards of our members’ operations.

The IPC is the only Accredited Trade Association (ATA) that audits every sign that is used by our members, audits every car park they operate upon and audits much of their stationery. To date the BPA have declared this to be impossible and have refused to follow suit. We believe we provide the most comprehensive package to our members to ensure that the charges they impose are legally enforceable. We also offer training courses to operators and have recently opened these up to BPA members in an effort to raise standards across the sector.

Although the BPA have publically welcomed competition; they have gone onto express a desire for there to be a single independent appeals process. Somewhat paradoxically, the BPA recently held a tender to replace the organisation who ran their appeals sevice (London Councils), following significant criticisms. The IPC offered to explore a single appeals service by showing an ‘expression of interest’ in their tender. Unfortunately, the BPA refused to explore the possibility. They ultimately appointed another provider, thus passing the opportunity to achieve their purported aim by ensuring there continues to be two independent appeals services.

However, the IPC remain committed to improving good industry standards. It is of course entirely possible for two independent appeals services to exist simultaneously without compromising standards providing they operate on the same footing. What is needed is harmony in the delivery of any solution such that the service to the motorist is consistent. We feel that this could be provided by common terms of reference for all adjudicators irrespective of which ATA member issued the charge.

Although this would provide consistency in the second (independent) stage of the appeals process, it does not resolve the more obvious dilemma of there being over 150 private car parking operators each with their own (initial) internal appeals procedure. More fundamental reform needs to be considered in this area to provide greater consistency for the consumer.

The IPC are committed to raising standards in the parking industry by promoting the best possible protections for the consumer whilst maintaining the fundamental rights of landowners to protect their property; a right that is often overlooked.

Will Hurley and John Davies, directors, Independent Parking Committee