This week, we are proud to spotlight Heather Grieve, our Account Director, for her dedication and contributions to the parking industry through her role at NSL and Parking Scotland.
What does a typical day as Account Director at NSL entail?
Heather’s region covers Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Northeast. Throughout her day Heather collectively works with both the Client Account Managers and client groups. She ensures we deliver a quality service by the contract outline. And seek opportunities to support local authorities further with our capabilities.
What is Parking Scotland?
Parking Scotland is a division of the British Parking Association (BPA), a not-for-profit membership association representing the UK’s parking and mobility sector. Parking Scotland aims to ensure that Scotland’s parking industry is represented appropriately throughout the UK, including meetings and events.
Can you share details about your role at Parking Scotland and your journey to attaining it?
Heather’s journey with Parking Scotland began in 2011 when, on her second day at NSL, she attended the Parking Scotland Expo and was asked to become their Secretary. With it being her first day, and eager to impress and learn more within the industry, she accepted the voluntary position.
Initially, Heather’s responsibilities were general administrative tasks, including meeting notetaking and event agenda creation. However, as her experience and knowledge grew within the industry, she became Co-Vice Chair in 2017.
Through this role, she became an advocate for making a difference within the parking industry in Scotland. And ensured that Scotland’s perspectives were fully represented through the BPA’s activities. This included ensuring the relevance of topics discussed at events. And continuously monitoring evolving legislation within the parking industry and the impacts of changes.
What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling?
Heather finds her role incredibly rewarding. She values the opportunity to work closely with local authorities, gaining insights into the changes they wish to see. With her extensive experience in the industry, Heather understands the pressures and challenges facing these authorities. Being at the forefront of these challenges allows her to make a meaningful difference.
What does the future hold for Scotland’s transportation industry?
Looking ahead, Heather reflects on several key areas that will bring change to the parking industry in Scotland:
- Innovation: The digitalisation of parking and the adoption of digital Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will make a huge difference in how the parking industry operates.
- Impact of changes to PCN fees to compliance: In 2023 Scotland increased the cost of a PCN from £30 to £50 (if paid within 14 days), the rationale behind this being the increases over the years of parking charges narrowing the gap between a PCN and cost to park was contributing to less compliance.
- Low Emission Zones: Glasgow implemented their Low Emission Zone in 2023, and Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen all go live May/June this year. These cities are leading the way in improving Scotland’s environment and air quality.
- Footway parking – After the recent introduction of enforcement of footway parking in Scotland, Edinburgh was the first City to enforce it, with many more to follow; the legislation changes help keep streets safer for pedestrians, and road users have a better view of the road, contributing to better road safety and making roads more accessible for all.
Catching up with Heather was a fantastic opportunity to hear more about the impact she is making in the industry through both her role at NSL, and at Parking Scotland!
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