BPA call upon SIA to create a Compulsory Contractors Scheme

The British Parking Association (BPA) believe that licensing for individuals is a good first step in bringing regulation to the clamping sector. However more work needs to be done, and the BPA have recommended that the SIA make their Voluntary Contractors Scheme for companies that engage in vehicle immobilization, compulsory. The BPA believe that in order to drive rogue clampers out of the sector, a mandatory Approved Contractors Scheme supported by a clear code of practice, is required. The BPA have created a code of practice for wheel clamping, and have offered this to the SIA should they decide to create an Approved Contractors Scheme.

Keith Banbury, CE of the BPA, comments:

"Until 3 May, there has been no legislation regulating the clamping industry, so this deadline is a welcome one. However, we do not think it goes far enough to secure the industry, and will in future be calling for even tighter control, and recommending a compulsory scheme for all contractors.
This will ensure that those involved in the industry operate in a responsible, effective and efficient manner and that the owners of vehicles which are clamped should not be penalised through excessive charges, low quality service, poor response times or excessive periods of immobilisation."

About BPA

British Parking Association is the largest Professional Association in Europe representing organisations in the Parking and Traffic Management Industry. These organisations are many and varied, ranging from Manufacturers, Car Park operators, Local Authorities, Health Authorities, Airports, Railways, Shopping Centres, Theme Parks, Consultants, in fact anyone involved in the construction, management and enforcement of Parking and in the wider Traffic Management Industry. Currently we have 600 members, equally split between the public and private sectors.

About the SIA

The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry according to the requirements set out by the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

SIA is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) responsible directly to the Home Secretary. An NDPB carries out specialised functions on behalf of its ‘parent’ government department and has substantial operational freedom in discharging the functions given to it.

It became a separate organisation on 1 April 2003, with our governing Board, Chairman (Peter Hermitage) and Chief Executive (John Saunders). They have headquarters in Central London and a regional structure covering England and Wales.