Park Mark and DPA Perfect parking A round-up of some of the latest car parks to achieve Park Mark the nationally recognised award of the Safer Parking Scheme plus, a new premium parking award 25 is the lucky number for Hillingdon Council Three more car parks run by Hillingdon Council have achieved Park Mark status, bringing the total number of car parks with the award in the borough to 25. We are delighted to increase the number of Park Mark car parks in the borough, said Cllr Keith Burrows, Hillingdon Councils cabinet member for planning, transportation and recycling. We want to continue to provide parking facilities for residents and visitors that are easy to use, well maintained, safe and value for money. The parking facilities have passed the rigorous risk assessment conducted by the police and the BPA. Checks include the management and maintenance of the facility, ensuring there are appropriate levels of surveillance, lighting, signage and cleanliness. These criteria are known to reduce the opportunity for crime and create a safer environment for the motorist and their vehicle The Safer Parking Scheme is a great example of how the Metropolitan Police Service is working with our partners to reduce crime. Simple crime-prevention measures can have a big impact if implemented effectively and will protect the public and their property, said Met inspector Matt Turner. The commitment of the local authority to implement this scheme is commendable. Our Designing Out Crime team look forward to working From left: Beat manager, PC Julie Armstrong; Boguslawa Motylska, designing out crime officer for Nottinghamshire police; Peter Gravells, BPA area manager; Chloe ODonnell, Idlewells centre manager; Craig Hall, neighbourhood policing inspector Safety and accessibility paramount at Idlewells Idlewells Shopping Centre multi-storey car park at Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, has achieved Park Mark and the Disabled Parking Accreditation (DPA) for a further two years. We are really pleased with the facility, said designing-out crime officer for Nottinghamshire Police, Boguslawa Motylska. The award is welldeserved recognition of the ongoing commitment to keeping people safer. Centre manager Chloe ODonnell said: We are delighted to have been awarded the Park Mark and DPA again. It is testament to our security and housekeeping teams, who work hard to ensure standards are maintained. Peter Gravells, the BPAs area manager, added: It is a fantastic achievement recognising the effective management and high parking standards being maintained. From left: Chris Barton, car parks manager; Roy Clark, parking services manager; Antony Powell, BPA area manager; and Paul Woods, assistant car parks manager with Hillingdon Council and the BPA on further sites across the borough. Antony Powell, BPA area manager, said: I congratulate the parking department on this impressive achievement. Hillingdons long-term support of the Park Mark award clearly demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that its car parks are as clean, safe and well managed as possible. About Park Mark, the Safer Parking Scheme and the DPA The Safer Parking Scheme is a police crime prevention initiative aimed at reducing crime, and the fear of crime, in parking areas. Park Mark is awarded to facilities that pass a rigorous risk assessment conducted by the police and the BPA, which includes ensuring there are appropriate levels of surveillance, lighting, signage and cleanliness. When the Safer Parking Scheme was introduced more than 15 years ago, crime in its car parks dropped by more than 80 per cent in the first year. Recent surveys have revealed that personal safety and location are joint priorities for motorists when choosing somewhere to park, with a safe environment third. n There are currently more than 5,000 car parks with Park Mark. To find one, visit parkmark.co.uk To qualify for the DPA, car parks must have accessible bays that meet British standards (at least 2.4 metres by 4.8 metres, with a 1.2 metre safety or transition zone marked along one side of the bay). Signage must be clear, and there should be level access or lifts/ramps between pedestrian entrances/exits and bays. Lighting, payment machines and alternative payment methods also form part of the criteria, as do concessions, where appropriate, to allow disabled people additional time. n To find a car park with DPA, go to dpaccreditation.org.uk 34 britishparking.co.uk PN Mar20 pp34-35 Park Mark.indd 34 20/02/2020 11:49