Overview

The Multi-Storey Car Parks (Safety) Bill aims to improve safety in multi-storey car parks across England and Wales by increasing the minimum height of safety barriers and mandating 24-hour staffing.

Description

This bill introduces several key changes:

• Minimum Guarding Height (New Car Parks): Within three months of the bill becoming law, new multi-storey car parks must have safety barriers at least 2700mm high on roofs and edges of floors. This will be implemented via an amendment to existing building regulations.
• Minimum Guarding Height (Existing Car Parks): Existing multi-storey car parks will be required to raise their barriers to at least 2700mm within one year of the bill passing. Regulations outlining specifics will be created.
• 24-Hour Staffing: The bill mandates 24-hour on-site staffing for all multi-storey car parks. Regulations will specify minimum staffing levels.
• Enforcement: The bill allows for the creation of criminal offences (fines) for non-compliance with the new regulations, and also the possibility of civil sanctions.
• Parliamentary Approval: Any regulations made under this Act require approval from both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify direct government spending figures. However, costs will be incurred in implementing and enforcing the new regulations, including potential costs for building owners/managers to upgrade existing facilities and for increased staffing. There's no direct cost figure provided within the bill.

Groups Affected

• Multi-storey car park owners/operators: Significant costs associated with upgrading existing barriers and providing 24-hour staffing.
• Building contractors and developers: Need to comply with new building regulations for new constructions.
• Local authorities: Responsibility for enforcing the new regulations.
• The public: Increased safety in multi-storey car parks. Potentially some increased costs in parking charges to cover the increased operational expenses.

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