The British Parking Association (BPA) is the leading professional organisation in the UK for the parking and traffic management industry. They represent more than 650 members, including parking operators, local authorities, and suppliers of parking-related products and services. Founded in 1970, the BPA has been working to improve parking standards, promote best practices, and support its members for over 50 years.
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BPA Parking Fine
It must be remembered that the BPA do not themselves issue parking tickets. They are just the Accredited Trade Association (ATA) that the Private Parking Company (PPC) is a member of.
So if the information on the ticket is incorrect, such as the date, or it doesn’t appear legitimate, then you can get in contact with the BPA.
BPA Members
To find out if a PPC is a member of the BPA, it is best to consult their up-to-date Approved Operators list. This list must not be confused with their Members of the British Parking Association list, as this list does not confirm ATA membership.
Their list if quite informative as shows the type of service provided, or enforcement methods used by their members. It allows for easy identification of their member’s because it provides the registered company name and/or trading style or brand.
BPA Code Of Practice
The aim of the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) Code of Practice is to describe the best practices for PPCs that carry out enforcement and parking control on private land.
To become a member of the BPA, PPCs must confirm that they have the correct systems and procedures in place to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice.
To view the current, and previous, versions of the BPA Code of Practice, please consult their website.
Is The British Parking Association Biased?
An ATA is a self-regulatory body that should operate within a regulatory framework set out by the government. Their Code of Practice should set high standards for its member’s to follow and allow for fair treatment of motorists.
There is a requirement to pay a fee to become part of the BPA. So, it could then be argued that the BPA now have a conflict of interest and could become biased towards their members. The BPA appeals service, the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) service, is also funded by their member’s. Which could be again argued that this is a conflict of interest.
However, it should be made clear, there is currently no evidence that the BPA or POPLA have showed any bias towards their member’s.
Who Is POPLA?
The introduction of the Protection Of Freedoms Acts 2012 (POFA) required each ATA to establish an independent appeals service for victims of their Parking Charge Notices to be able to appeal. The BPA created Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) for their appeals process.
BPA Contact Number
The BPA contact number is: 01444 447300
British Parking Association Contact Email
The BPA contact email is: [email protected]
British Parking Association Complaints
If you would like to complain to the BPA, there are a few avenues you can take:
- Written complaints can be sent via email to the following address: [email protected];
- Verbal complaints can be may via phone to: 01444 447300,
- Or in person to any of the BPA’s staff at: Stuart House, 41/43 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1NL.
You can find the BPA’s complaints policy and procedure here.
Sources used to write this article: