The British Parking Association (BPA) are pressing Government to introduce a new criminal charge that would make it an offence to attack a Parking Attendant (PA). The Association believe this new charge is justified as levels of attacks against PAs continue to increase both in volume and severity.
For example in London alone, PAs suffer on average three physical attacks per day.
The BPA started lobbying Government in 2003 on this matter and have now written to Harriet Harman, MP, asking for consideration of a new criminal charge of 'assault against a public servant'.
Mr Banbury, CE of the BPA, comments:
"For an offence against a public servant to be seen at the same level as an attack against a police officer would send out all the right messages and be seen as a direct example of the Government's new 'respect' campaign that we fully support. As well as protecting PAs, a criminal charge of 'assault against a public servant' could also cover attacks against medical staff, railway staff and other 'risk groups' in the public service.
Mr Banbury also added:
"There is no excuse for verbally or physically attacking any public servant. It is the BPA's aim to reach a position where the PA is seen as somebody who is supporting society and keeping the streets clear for the benefit of all. If a driver feels that they have been treated unfairly, there is an independent appeals process - violence is not the answer."
The BPA has already introduced a number of initiatives that will improve the industry, including commissioning (with funding from the DfT) an independent review of how on-street parking enforcement (DPE) is carried out across the country. The results of this review will be announced in July, and put to Government for inclusion in their Statutory Guidance Notes for the Traffic Management Act.
It is hoped the Rt. Hon Harman, will support the BPA and seek public consultation for the proposal of creating a new criminal charge to protect public servants.
In order to help the BPA with this proposal please put your support in writing to Jacky MacGillivary at jacky.m@britishparking.co.uk
