I spoke with Peter Guest, known to PT readers as our correspondent on all things east of the Atlantic. He’s also the president of the British Parking Association. We will have an extended report on the interview in June’s Parking Today, but I couldn’t resist a few tidbits here in the blog.
Peter spoke extensively about a new program in the UK called the Institute of Parking Professionals (IPP). Its goal is to provide a society to begin to professionalize the parking profession. Anyone in the industry can join. The dues are inexpensive. Are you a traffic warden, the cashier at a local garage, or the president of the largest operator in the country? You are welcome.
The institute has about 200 members but is growing fast. "Whereas the BPA is a trade association with corporate members, this group focuses on the individual. We are preparing training programs that can be held at local trade schools to prepare people for careers in the parking industry," says Peter.
The IPP has been in existence less than a year. They hope to have 5000 members in a few year’s time. WOW!
I asked Peter what he felt were the three major problems facing our industry in the UK. "Image, crumbling parking decks, and Technology."
Sound familiar? Get the details on why he feels this way and what he hopes can be done in June’s PT.
JVH
