Car park security Laura Hallett from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with Steve Cranston from Cleveland Police Case study: James Cook University Hospital The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough has held a Park Mark accreditation since 2015. Laura Hallett, the parking manager at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for the past two years, has been the custodian of the car parks through the most recent Park Mark accreditations. I have to say that Ryan [Davey, the BPA area manager] and Steve [Cranston, crime prevention and architectural liaison officer] are brilliant. They are so supportive and I know they are just a phone call or email away if I have any questions. Hallett believes it is of the utmost importance for car park users, be they staff or visitors, to have a secure place to park and leave their vehicle especially during night shifts or at a time of increased stress and emotions, such as when visiting sick relatives or friends. We have good lighting, CCTV and security patrols, all of which help reduce crime and peoples fear of crime. Also, our security team are very responsive to other issues, to enable people to park safely. For example, if we have reports that disabled motorists are finding it harder to find a parking bay, our team will monitor the disabled spaces to ensure they are only being used by people who should be using them. Hallett has so much faith in Park Mark that she has recruited a nearby car park to the Safer Parking Scheme. We were looking into a partnership with the nextdoor gym, so that our staff could park there and use the facilities for a discounted rate per month. But I wasnt happy recommending that people park there, because I didnt feel it was very safe. I spoke to the gym and put them on to Ryan and Steve, who have worked with them to improve the car park to Park Mark standards. I feel happier now suggesting that our staff use the facilities there and thats all down to the Safer Parking Scheme. Continued on page 24 > 22 PN Apr 2023 pp20-25 SPS.indd 22 23/03/2023 10:43