The Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme is a well-established initiative in the United Kingdom that has played a crucial role in improving the safety and security of car parks across the country.
The Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme is a well-established initiative in the United Kingdom that has played a crucial role in improving the safety and security of car parks across the country. Introduced in 2004, the scheme is a collaborative effort involving the British Parking Association (BPA) and the police, with the ultimate goal of reducing crime and ensuring a safer environment for both vehicles and their owners.
Origins and Administration of Park Mark
The Park Mark scheme was launched in response to growing concerns over vehicle-related crimes, such as theft and vandalism, which were prevalent in many car parks. The initiative is administered by the British Parking Association, the leading trade association representing parking and traffic management in the UK. The BPA works closely with the police, particularly through the Secured by Design (SBD) initiative, which focuses on designing out crime through physical security measures.
The role of the police in the Park Mark scheme is significant, as they conduct assessments of car parks to determine whether they meet the necessary standards for accreditation. This partnership between the BPA and the police ensures that the scheme is robust and effective, combining industry expertise with law enforcement knowledge.
Objectives of the Park Mark Scheme
The primary objective of the Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme is to create safer parking facilities and to reduce both the fear and incidence of crime within car parks. By achieving Park Mark status, car parks demonstrate their commitment to providing a secure environment, which in turn gives motorists peace of mind when parking their vehicles.
Additionally, the scheme aims to promote best practices in car park management, ensuring that facilities are well-maintained, accessible, and user-friendly. Through the Park Mark scheme, the BPA and the police strive to create a consistent standard of safety across all participating car parks, making it easier for the public to identify safe places to park.
Criteria for Accreditation
To achieve Park Mark status, car parks must meet a stringent set of criteria, which are primarily focused on reducing crime and enhancing customer safety. These criteria cover a wide range of aspects, including physical security measures, lighting, signage, cleanliness, and the overall management of the facility.
Physical Security Measures: Car parks are evaluated on their physical security, including the presence of barriers, fencing, and secure entry and exit points. Surveillance plays a critical role, with car parks needing to demonstrate the use of CCTV cameras that provide comprehensive coverage of the facility. Adequate lighting is also essential, as well-lit areas can deter criminal activity and provide a greater sense of security for users.
Management and Maintenance: The way a car park is managed is also crucial to achieving Park Mark accreditation. This includes regular maintenance to ensure that the facility is clean and free from litter, graffiti, and other signs of neglect, which can contribute to an environment that feels unsafe. Clear and visible signage is necessary to guide users effectively and prevent confusion, which can also reduce the risk of accidents and other incidents.
Dealing with Complaints: Another important aspect of the Park Mark scheme is how car park operators handle customer complaints and issues. A well-managed car park should have clear procedures in place for dealing with complaints, ensuring that any concerns related to safety or security are promptly addressed. This responsiveness not only helps to maintain high standards but also builds trust with users.
Eligibility and Types of Car Parks
Park Mark accreditation is open to a wide range of car parks, including those in town centres, retail parks, railway stations, airports, and hospitals. However, there are differences in the criteria depending on the location and type of car park.
Town Centre Car Parks: In town centre car parks, the focus is often on ensuring that the facility is easily accessible and that it integrates well with surrounding areas. These car parks must address challenges such as high foot traffic, varied hours of operation, and proximity to nightlife, which can all impact safety and security.
Airport Car Parks: Airport car parks, on the other hand, have unique security needs due to the high volume of long-term parking and the increased risk of theft or damage to vehicles. These car parks must implement more stringent security measures, such as enhanced surveillance, frequent patrols, and more robust access controls, to ensure that vehicles are protected for extended periods.
Conclusion
The Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme has been instrumental in raising the standards of safety and security in UK car parks. Through its rigorous criteria and the collaboration between the British Parking Association and the police, the scheme continues to provide reassurance to motorists, making parking a safer and more secure experience across the country. Whether in a bustling town centre or a busy airport, Park Mark-accredited car parks are a testament to the commitment to quality and security in parking management
By Stephen Forster at 30 Aug 2024