First published in 2010, the British Parking Association (BPA) has re-published its Charter for Healthcare Parking which aims to strike the right balance between being fair to patients, visitors and staff ensuring facilities are managed effectively.

BPA is keen for both managers of healthcare facilities and car park operators, who the Charter is predominantly aimed at, to recognise the importance of car parking policy in terms of the wider transport strategy and the need to manage traffic and parking in line with demand and environmental needs.

BPA aims to increase public confidence in parking and parking management through the setting and raising of standards across the sector, believing that providing, managing and charging for parking at healthcare facilities needs to be seen in the context of delivering a better and fairer service to users.

According to BPA, whilst many people attending healthcare facilities, either as patients or visitors, expect car parking to be free, the limits on space, costs involved and demand for spaces means that car parking needs to be managed properly. Often the most effective way to do this is by charging for parking.

This recognises:

• the value of a car parking space
• the needs of other users of the facility
• the environmental impact of driving and
• the need to maintain and improve car parks by reinvesting income.

BPA is encouraging both managers of healthcare facilities and car park operators to sign up to the charter and recognise the importance of professionalism in delivering services and providing a high standard of customer care.