Park Mark Plus Top marks Julia Jepps, the BPAs business development manager, explores the new Park Mark Plus ustomer expectations for well-managed, high-quality car parks are exerting demand on the sector to deliver excellent services and enhanced customer experience while caring for the environment. Building on the BPAs well-regarded Park Mark, the new Park Mark Plus takes a more holistic approach to car park assessment across a range of criteria: n Structural integrity n Environmental credentials n Effective management and operations n Customer experience. C A consideration will be given to design elements such as colour coding different levels. Environmental credentials Environmental sustainability is a key focus. The availability of electric charging bays is an obvious starting point, plus elements such as energy-saving lighting, water recycling or re-purposing rainwater, and air-quality monitoring. Supporting green choices, such as car sharing through special parking bays or secure bicycle parking, will be further points for evaluation. The introduction of greenery is also considered. Effective management and operations The car park must already have Park Mark and meet the Disability Parking Accreditation criteria. These can be assessed at the same time as the Park Mark Plus assessment, if they are not already in place. Structural integrity Assessment of structural integrity will scrutinise the evidence of how the facility is being maintained, such as an engineers report, fire risk assessment, good drainage, and the condition of windows, doors, lifts and the pedestrian walkways. This assessment will include the customer charter, help points and complaint-handling procedures. Elements such as automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and the presence of vehicle-guidance systems will also be rated. The range of payment options making it easy for customers to pre-book, reserve space, enjoy special discounts or simply pay swiftly on arrival is an important factor. The customer experience is superb with easy payment methods through to special motorcycle lockers for riders helmets and gloves Customer experience The final category evaluates customer experience. From wider bays and family-friendly features to premium services, such as on-site car valeting or enhanced motorcycle or bicycle facilities, this category will recognise imaginative and thoughtful additions. Each car park will be scored and must achieve a minimum score in each category, to qualify for the award. If successful, a certificate will be issued and a plaque can also be purchased. Congratulations to Cabot Circus Cabot Circus, Bristol, is the first recipient of Park Mark Plus. It was assessed by BPA senior manager Chas Cannon. The police and I were involved in the design for this car park from the very beginning, he says. The care and attention throughout the design and build has created an outstanding facility. Care for the environment is a focus from small features such as a bug hotel, to largescale investment into a recycled water system. The customer experience is superb with easy payment methods through to special motorcycle lockers for riders helmets and gloves. Vehicle guidance on all levels makes finding a space easy. We were very happy to give Cabot Circus the first Park Mark Plus status. Cabot Circus in Bristol is the first car park to receive Park Mark Plus n You can find out more about Park Mark Plus at britishparking.co.uk/Park-Mark-Plus 36 britishparking.co.uk PN Apr20 pp36-37 Park Mark Feature.indd 36 24/03/2020 14:25