Industry News

BPA Announces Charter for Hospital Parking - July 2010

Backed by the NHS Confederation and Healthcare Facilities Consortium, the BPA has published a Charter for Hospital Parking. These guidelines are designed to encourage NHS Trusts to provide parking management systems that are fair for all.

The BPA believe that it is absolutely critical that hospitals, particularly those within urban areas, set parking charges at a rate that will deter commuters and shoppers who may abuse the system, as was the case before charges were introduced.

The main purpose of the charges is to ensure that key staff, bona-fide patients and visitors are able to park at the hospital, but the income generated will also help support the maintenance, security, and staff of the car park, reducing the reliance on hospital funds that should be dedicated to healthcare.

Bringing together the interests of hospital car park users (staff, visitors, and patients), government, local authorities and commercial organisations, the BPA Charter has been circulated to all NHS Trusts across the UK. The BPA reports that the charter is gaining support from a number of NHS Trusts, and more are expected to follow.

From Parking Review

London's Congestion Charge Update - June 2010

London's Congestion Charge is about to undergo a radical overhaul. London Mayor Boris Johnson revealed that the western extension of the zone, introduced in 2007, will be scrapped on 24 December; however, the daily charge for the central London congestion zone will increase from eight to ten pounds. Some additional exemptions will also be added.

New charging rules state that all cars that meet the Euro V emissions standards and emit less than 100g/km of CO2 will be exempt from the charge. Under the criteria, many small, economical hatchbacks from the Audi A3 1.6 TDI through to the VolvoC30 1.6D will no longer be charged.

Hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles will only be given the exemption if they meet these new standards, so cars like the previous generation Toyota Prius would no longer be exempt from the charge.

The changes come following a public consultation where 67% of respondents, including 86% of businesses in the western extension, wanted the charge scrapped.

All changes are expected to be in operation by the end of the year.

Page [1/18] >