APCOA contracted for electric parking enforcement in Richmond

From August, the full-service management giant will patrol the area  on foot, e-bike, e-moped and EV to ensure compliance with local restrictions.

Europe’s largest parking operator, which maintains 1.8million spaces across 13,000 locations in 13 countries, APCOA has been awarded the contract to enforce parking rules within the West London borough’s Controlled Parking Zones [CPZs]

The company now has responsibility for making Richmond safer for pedestrians and ensure emergency and refuse vehicles have access when and where they need it. By utilising an all-plug-in fleet to conduct operations, the firm will also contribute to its environment, social and governance commitments by reducing emissions and fuel use, and promoting exercise.

Abandoned vehicles and all-day commuter parking will be targeted as priorities when in violation of parking laws. The announcement comes just one month after the Local Democracy Reporting Service published the results of a Freedom of Information request into parking fines across the borough. Richmond Council issued  579,034 between April 2018 and April 2024, bringing in close to £30million in Penalty Charge Notices. 

‘A controlled CPZ is an important strategy in managing unauthorised or anti-social parking and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the London Borough of Richmond, using our experience and expertise to deliver a first-class service for residents and visitors alike,’ said Kim Challis, APCOA’s Regional Managing Director UK&I.

‘Richmond Council prioritises helping our residents to use forms of travel that support our environmental and health goals, particularly moving safely around our borough on foot – ensuring our parking options are used in a controlled way is essential to facilitating this. We are looking forward to working with APCOA and are pleased to being partnering with an organisation who shares our commitment to reducing the carbon impact of our operations,’ added Paul Chadwick, Executive Director for Environment and Community Services, Richmond Council.

In related news, EV charge point app Zapmap added support for all APCOA electric vehicle charge points in April this year.