The Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice was jointly developed by the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC). Based largely on the Government’s withdrawn Code of Practice, its purpose is to establish a common set of standards across the private parking sector.
A common code also brings advantages for motorists, operators and the wider sector. It promotes greater consistency in parking standards and customer experience, provides operators with a single set of core compliance requirements, and supports public confidence by demonstrating a shared commitment to professional and transparent practices.
However, operators should be aware that compliance with the Single Code is only part of the picture.
Clause 18.4 states:
“Operators must comply with any request from their ATA.” Single Code of Practice, Clause 18.4
This means operators must comply not only with the requirements of the Single Code but also with the rules, processes and requests of their chosen Accredited Trade Association (ATA).
While both the BPA and IPC use the Single Code as the foundation of their operator accreditation schemes, there can be differences in how those schemes are implemented and administered.
In practice, these differences are most evident in the way each ATA manages operator membership and compliance oversight. They may include:
- Governance structures
- Operator onboarding processes
- Audit and compliance arrangements
- Independent appeals services
- Enforcement and sanctions
These differences do not make one ATA better than the other. Both organisations work within the framework of the Single Code and have developed their own systems and procedures over time. However, the experience of membership and compliance may vary between the two schemes.
The Single Code defines the standards operators must meet; each ATA determines how those standards are administered, assessed and monitored.
For those entering the sector for the first time, the range of requirements, processes and accreditation options can sometimes feel daunting. If an independent sounding board would be helpful, we are available to provide guidance and support in understanding the available routes and what they may mean in practice. There is no expectation or obligation—sometimes a conversation and a clearer understanding of the landscape is all that’s needed to move forward with confidence.