Tag Archives for: IPC

“Insight, agility and responsibility must be the industry’s watchwords for the future” – Forward-looking emphasis at the IPC Annual Conference

November 15, 2017

 

 

“Insight, agility and responsibility must be the industry’s watchwords for the future”

– Forward-looking emphasis at the IPC Annual Conference –

 

 

 

Speaking at the International Parking Community’s Annual Conference, Chief Executive Will Hurley urged delegates to embrace new technologies and new opportunities with confidence.  “Recognising responsibilities and securing the insight required to take change in one’s stride are absolutely vital for the future success of all parking operators.  And, as a representative of a large proportion of the parking industry, the onus is on the IPC to lead by example and to demonstrate the agility and responsiveness that’s needed to drive up service standards and meet the rising expectations of service users in the digital age.”

 

 

The Conference was held at The Village Hotel on the outskirts of Nottingham and, in keeping with the IPC’s published vision, the focus of the event was very forward-looking. During the day, the association unveiled the first courses of its new Training and Development Academy – a new venture developed in partnership with Trace Training.  Other presentations provided delegates with guidance on significant new data protection legislation (GDPR), an insight into the latest developments in electric vehicles and other emerging technologies as well as the association’s progressive steps to improve the experience of consumers.

 

His Honour, Bryn Holloway, the Lead Adjudicator of the Independent Appeals Service provided an overview of key matters arising from the adjudication process over the past year.  And special breakout sessions were also held to reflect the specific needs of the university and local authority sectors, along with advice on helping to minimise blue badge fraud.

 

“We’re delighted with the positive feedback we’ve received from Conference delegates,” says IPC Chief Operating Officer, Charles Clowes.  “The progressive theme

of the event and the selection of speakers reflected the topics that are front of mind for many of our members.

 

“However, we were also keen to highlight potential challenges the parking industry will be facing in the future as result of continuous advances in technology and a society of increasingly empowered consumers. Turning a blind eye to the significance of such influential matters is not an option for any responsible service provider, and I’m confident we’ve helped to open people’s eyes to many of the challenges – and the huge opportunities – that lie ahead.”

 

Acknowledging that some initiatives of the accredited trade association have been slower to come to fruition than originally hoped, Will Hurley confirmed the IPC’s determination to set the highest possible standards in everything it does.

 

“It’s vital that we adapt and flex to take full account of developments in the industry if we are to provide relevant and meaningful support for our members at all times and to deliver ever higher standards for service users,” he said.

 

“Some of our earlier plans are still at a formative stage.  But, our energy will always be focused on the evolving priorities of members and unforeseen developments such as Sir Greg Knight’s Private Members Bill.  New initiatives such as the dedicated online portal for Members of Parliament, our formal partnership with the industry’s most respected accreditation scheme for consumers – Peoples Parking – and our new Training and Development Academy demonstrate our commitment to lead from the front at all times.

 

“And, with new dedicated resources to drive further membership propositions and to open new interactive digital communications channels, we will be giving full consideration to those matters of greatest interest to our members and introducing a host of new initiatives in 2018.”

 

The guest speakers at the Annual Conference included Richard Syers, Senior Policy Officer at the Information Commissioners Office, who highlighted the implications and content of the forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation which will come into effect in May next year.

 

Helen Dolphin MBE outlined the effectiveness, popularity and importance of the People’s Parking accreditation scheme for improving the parking experience of customers by helping them to find a car park that meets their precise needs. Using a simple self-assessment process, the independent accreditation helps to improve compliance and is aligned with all current government guidelines.

 

 

Natalia Silverstone, Senior Consultant at POD Point and Tom Callow, Director of Communications and Strategy at Chargemaster, provided insightful commentaries on the significant infrastructure developments to support the inexorable growth in electric vehicles.

 

Louis Ellis, Director of Trace, introduced the IPC’s new Training and Development Academy and the series of courses already scheduled for early in the New Year.  These include a course on ‘Getting your business ready for GDPR’ being held in the north (11th Jan) and south (18th Jan) of the country, a special full day course on ‘PCN Administration’, a half day course on ‘Parking Signs’ and a full day course on PCN Enforcement Officer training.  Further scheduled course will be announced shortly and there is also a scheduled qualification training programme that begins with a four day Level 2 WAMITAB for Parking Enforcement Officers from 15th-18th January.

 

Ashley Bijster, Managing Director of Imperial, provided a lucid overview of the potential impact of technology on the parking sector.  Emphasising that the consumer is now at the heart of everything, she said customer benefits and community outcomes are the key drivers for change and that current developments should be a wake up call for all parking service providers.  She highlighted five factors that she believes will have the greatest influence in shaping urban mobility in the years ahead – Space, Lifestyle, Data, Sustainability and Legacy.

 

The formal Conference proceedings concluded with an inspirational and compelling presentation from Adrian Webster.  An accomplished motivational speaker, Adrian used his vast experience as a Sales Manager, motivator and team builder to show how people can fulfil their potential and make a very real difference in their workplace.

 

The day ended with a very well attended dinner and dance, including a special fund-raising auction where no less than £3,085 was raised for Diabetes UK – the leading charity providing information, advice and support for people affected by and at risk of the fastest growing health threat in the UK.

IPC – Partnership aims to boost consumer confidence  and convenience

September 25, 2017

 

 

Partnership aims to boost consumer confidence  and convenience

 

 

 

The International Parking Community is taking decisive and far-reaching steps to ensure the safety and priorities of consumers are at the heart of new initiatives to improve standards within the parking industry. The progressive trade association has now formalised its partnership with the People’s Parking accreditation scheme for car parks. As a result of this significant move, the accreditation scheme is now being adopted as an IPC standard, and the scheme’s founder, Helen Dolphin MBE will be representing the evolving interests of consumers for the IPC Steering Committee.

 

 

 

“Helen’s painstaking and inspirational efforts to create and implement a versatile and effective accreditation scheme for car parks has received universal praise and admiration from consumer groups, service providers and the motoring public right across the country,” says IPC Chief Operating Officer, Charles Clowes. “We’re delighted that Helen and her colleagues will now be working alongside us as we look to put the interests of consumers at the heart of service standards within the industry. Moreover, we will be confirming a number of ground-breaking initiatives in the coming months as we take steps to capitalise on this exciting new partnership.”

 

The People’s Parking accreditation scheme offers all users of car parks with unprecedented reassurance and convenience and provides a major step-change for improving the parking experience of motorists. With distinctive and intuitive ‘badge’ signage, it demonstrates clearly and effectively the safety, ease of access and on-site facilities for any consumer with a specific requirement.

 

To secure accreditation, car park operators must demonstrate that their parking facilities, comply with all set parking standards. These include having clear signage, good pedestrian access and providing a clean, bright and safe environment for service users. Significantly, People’s Parking accreditation not only provides real support for motorists with a disability and parents with children, it also promotes charging points for electric vehicles, cycle parking, accessibility to shopping centres and transport hubs and highlights pre-booking and payment options.

 

“With more cars on the road than ever before and with congestion and demand for parking spaces at popular venues and locations continuing to increase, decisive actions are needed to ensure motorists, their passengers and cyclists can easily identify the right car park for their needs. An independent scheme that only awards accreditations if key criteria have been met raises standards within the industry and makes the life of car park users much easier,” says Helen Dolphin.

 

“The IPC’s proactive and emphatic approach for raising standards within the parking industry has been a huge source of encouragement for everyone who cares about the rights of consumers and the importance of fairness and equality. Such an approach closely matches our own goals and aspirations, and I’m really looking forward to developing new initiatives with the IPC that will put the voice of the consumer at the heart of service standards within the sector.”

 

“Helping motorists find a car park that meets their precise needs, removes a lot of the headache and uncertainty when it comes to parking a car,” adds Charles Clowes. “People’s Parking accreditation does just that. Far and away the country’s most comprehensive form of accreditation for car parks, the scheme is also a clear endorsement for service excellence – offering much-needed reassurance and clear competitive advantage for service providers. Significantly and as many well-informed car park operators have recognised, People’s Parking accreditation is also entirely consistent with the Government’s Accessibility Action Plan, and submitting an application for accreditation really couldn’t be easier.”

 

A widely respected campaigner for the rights of disabled people and a member of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), Helen Dolphin was awarded an MBE in recognition for her services to disabled motorists. Her development of the People’s Parking accreditation scheme followed many years of tireless research and campaigning.

 

For more information and to submit an application for People’s Parking accreditation, visit www.peoplesparking.org

 

 Helen Dolphin MBE

Charles Clowes moves to the IPC as Chief Operating Officer

June 07, 2017

 

 

Charles Clowes moves to the IPC as Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

The International Parking Community (IPC) has confirmed the appointment of Charles Clowes as its new Chief Operating Officer. Clowes joins the Accredited Trade Association from National Car Parks (NCP) where he was Head of Commercial and responsible for the development and implementation of new digital and customer service initiatives.

 

 

 

“This is an influential and significant role and our search for the right person has taken quite some time,” says the IPC’s Will Hurley. “However, our patience has been worthwhile and we’re absolutely delighted to welcome Charles to the team. His first hand experience of designing and delivering new service initiatives in the parking industry and his expertise in digital engagement is absolutely in line with our aspirations for the continued growth of the IPC. His knowledge of collaborative service developments and progressive strategic partnerships will also be invaluable as we look to engage further with all stakeholders and other influential organisations”

 

“I am really looking forward to using my experience in parking management to create real benefits for the IPC and its members,” adds Clowes. “Having recently been at the heart of NCP’s Senior Leadership Team with responsibility for shaping governance and conduct, I am a passionate advocate of building close ties with the Government and other external organisations to help drive ever higher levels of professionalism in the industry.”

 

The introduction of a new Chief Operating Officer will see Will Hurley moving to become Chief Executive of the IPC with John Davies stepping aside to resume his former role as Director of Gladstone’s Solicitors. The changes aim to provide further clarity and focus for the organisation as it now looks to build on the success of the past 4 years and ensure it remains fully aligned with the evolving priorities of members as well as the expectations of service users.

 

 

 

The IPC celebrates continued growth and launches new initiatives – 2016 Annual Conference a “resounding success”

November 11, 2016

ipc

The IPC celebrates continued growth and launches new initiatives

– 2016 Annual Conference a “resounding success” –

 

“It has been an outstanding year for The International Parking Community (IPC) with membership continuing to grow under our new and more expansive identity, new partnerships forged with key organisations and a host of new initiatives underway.”  Speaking to the large audience at The IPC’s 2016 Annual Conference, Will Hurley, Director of the Trade Association, said he was particularly excited that public sector organisations would now have access to the progressive benefits that have proved to be so effective for private sector parking service providers.

 

 

“While there will always be distinct requirements and regulations, a convergence of parking standards across the public and private sectors will foster greater consistency and help improve service provision for motorists,” he said.

 

“We’ve taken a similar proactive stance in many other areas over the past 12 months.  As well as providing feedback to the DCLG’s consultation paper and incorporating the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s new Code of Practice into our own Code, we continue to work closely with the DVLA to ensure ongoing improvements in parking provision and practices.  We’ve also worked in partnership with the Citizens Advice Service to ensure all guidance for motorists is always accurate and up to date.  And, we’ve signed an agreement with the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association to help streamline their practices and reduce the red tape.”

 

Mr Hurley referred to the growing stature of The IPC within and beyond the parking industry, as demonstrated by the association’s accreditation under the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) regulations and subsequent praise from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) during the annual audit.  Parking Australia has also confirmed its adoption of The IPC’s service model and supporting software.  And, just a few weeks after its launch, six councils have already joined The IPC’s dedicated new membership scheme for local authorities.  The number of campus and city centre universities signing up to the IPC’s new educational membership scheme also continues to grow.

 

“We’ve made a lot of progress in a short time,” continued Mr Hurley.  “But we’re constantly listening to members, lobbying and looking to see where further improvements can be made to improve the parking experience of motorists and ensure high service standards are applied right across the parking industry. That’s why we’ll soon be confirming two revisions to our Code of Practice – one will place a cap on any additional charges assigned to an unpaid Parking Charge Notice and the other will introduce a requirement to confirm the address of a motorist prior to pursuing a County Court Judgment for any debt that exceeds 12 months. And we are also launching a Welsh Language Standard that will promote the use of Welsh as a first language and take full account of legislative guidance and the growing footprint of the private parking sector in Wales.”

 

Among the many speakers at the Conference, Bryn Holloway, the lead adjudicator of the Independent Appeals Service said that the service was dealing with over 1,200 appeals every month.  He stressed the importance of a fair and straightforward system that focuses on legalities in order to maximise consistency and to strike the right balance between efficiency and effectiveness for the benefit of motorists and car park operators alike.

 

Tony Porter, the Surveillance Camera Commissioner applauded the initiatives that the IPC were taking and confirmed that the association had provided significant support for the new Code of Practice for surveillance which has particular relevance within the private parking sector due to the growing use of ANPR cameras.  He emphasised ‘the passport to compliance’ that will help private operators to adopt the principles of best practice and to help safeguard public confidence and the integrity of the parking industry.

 

Chris Wade, Director of the People and Places Partnership, highlighted the importance of understanding the customer journey and customer experience when considering the provision, use, location and pricing of parking facilities in and around town centres. Acknowledging the uncertainties of future demand, he said the key performance measures were quality, cost, convenience and quantity and that new technologies had a vital role to play to ensure flexibility in parking provision and to create opportunities for incentivising the use of peripheral parking facilities.

 

Helen Dolphin MBE, who has been responsible for setting up a progressive accreditation scheme for car parks, formally unveiled the initiative at this year’s IPC Annual Conference.  She demonstrated the value and effectiveness of such a dedicated approach to help motorists find the most appropriate car park to meet their needs.

 

People’s Parking accreditation demonstrates that a car park has good signage and pedestrian routes and is well lit, clean and actively managed.  The scheme highlights car parks with facilities for disabled people, parents with children, electric vehicles and camper vans as well as car parks offering secure cycle parking. It also provides a simple means for identifying those car parks located in the best places for airports, transport interchanges and shopping and where pre-booking and pay-by-phone services are available.

 

The Conference was held at Hallmark’s Mickleover Court Hotel near Derby and was followed by a well-attended dinner and dance, with a special fund-raising auction for the event’s two nominated charities.  No less than £4,000 was raised for Becca’s Wish to Walk to support the special healthcare needs of 7-year-old Becca Carey who suffers from cerebral palsy and who requires significant aftercare (not covered by the NHS) following privately-funded surgery in America which will hopefully enable her to walk and lead a more normal and dignified life. In addition, over £3,500 was raised for the North West Air Ambulance charity.

 

To find out more about the work of The IPC and to discuss becoming a member of the association, visit www.theipc.info, or contact Malcolm Daughtrey at Malcolm@theipc.info or on 07769 332731.

 

 

 

IPC – Conf a – IPC Director, Will Hurley, speaking at The IPC’s 2016 Annual Conference

 

IPC – Conf c – Bryn Holloway, Lead Adjudicator of The Independent Appeals Service, speaking at The IPC’s 2016 Annual Conference

 

Ron Dyson tel 01935 83622;  ron.dyson@auroracomms.net

 

 

The International Parking Community (IPC) is an Accredited Trade Association and the parking-focussed arm of United Trade and Industry Ltd (Uniti).  The organisation was set up in 2013 to provide greater clarity and improved standards for protecting the interests of landowners, car park operators and motorists alike and to reduce the incidence of unfair parking practices and unlawful parking charges.  Full accreditation was confirmed by the DVLA in 2014.

 

The initial focus of The IPC has been to provide operators of car parks on private land with clear legal guidance, to encourage unprecedented service improvements and to provide easy access to a comprehensive, responsive, efficient and independent appeals process.

 

Membership of The IPC enables operators to apply for vehicle keeper data from the DVLA when seeking to enforce parking charge notices issued on private land.  Significantly, membership is dependent on completion of a detailed audit of all signage and standard documentation provided to motorists at every car park for which an operator is responsible.  From the outset, this ensures operational legality and compliance with the strict Code of Practice applied by The IPC.

 

 

Issued on behalf of The International Parking Community