CUSTOMER FOCUS FEATURE
Spotlight ON
Lisa Adams files the first of two reports from north of the border, where 2014 will be a very busy year
Scotland A
ll eyes will be on Scotland in 2014, with a line-up that includes the Commonwealth
Games in Glasgow in July, the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September then, in October, voters will be asked in a referendum if Scotland should become an independent country.
2014 is a chance to show that Scotland is a customer-focused country, with a number of parking successes
Gavin Brown
It’s no surprise then that Scotland, which already has a separate legal, health and education system from the rest of the UK, has evolved a different approach to parking, too. Gavin Brown, the new chair of the Scottish group of the British Parking Association, says the biggest challenge will be keeping Scotland moving during the busiest spell in the country’s history. ‘After the success of the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games in 2014 will bring tourism to Scotland’, said Brown. ‘The whole of Scotland will feel the benefits and availability of quality parking opportunities and allowing for interaction between multiple modes of transport will be key to visitors moving about the country. 2014 is a chance to show the world that Scotland is a customer-focused country, with a successful and accessible network of transport in which parking plays a major part.’ Brown, 39, parking operations manager for Edinburgh City Council, led the debate at the Scottish group spring meeting at the Town House, Hamilton, in April, which was attended by more than 50 members and supported by Keltic Clothing. The current BPA masterplan for Scotland was discussed, with members making suggestions for the next one. Brown said: ‘It’s vital for us to engage with the Scottish government and we now have a strong local group and a Scottish representative on the BPA Council. This means we can utilise the lobbying power of the BPA to connect with politicians and
www.britishparking.co.uk
influence the Scottish government. ‘A major issue for concern in Scotland is the fact that many motorists are issued with parking fines by private companies operating permit schemes on roads that should only be managed by local authorities. We need the BPA and the Scottish government to work together to allow local authorities to actively control this type of enforcement.’ Brown also pointed out that the level of penalty issued by local authorities in Scotland may have to change as the financial burden of operating decriminalised parking enforcement increases. ‘As we take on more enforcement duties from the police, such as enforcement of disabled persons’ parking places, the cost of enforcement increases. ‘Payment of a discounted parking ticket is £30, which is no longer a huge deterrent, particularly when major cities are charging up to £3 an hour for parking. I personally think that graduated penalties are fair and would be accepted by the general public.’
In Edinburgh, Brown manages a parking team of 51 staff, as well as 120 parking attendants, who work for NSL to enforce parking restrictions.
The team has introduced innovations including cashless parking and bay sensors, but the sporting and cultural highs of 2014 will mean more visitors and more pressure to keep things running smoothly. Parking spaces are at a premium in Edinburgh, especially during the Edinburgh Festival and parking attendants have to multi task, often acting as guides and points of information as well as enforcing the restrictions. Brown said: ‘The parking attendants in Edinburgh are very experienced. They act as ambassadors during the Edinburgh Festival, are proud of their city, and are committed to helping it run smoothly.’
JUNE 2013 35
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