Newark and Sherwood District Council car parks have achieved the coveted Park Mark Safer Parking Award and Disabled Parking Accreditation. The awards are given to parking facilities that have achieved the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the Police and the British Parking Association. The Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives and Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK), aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking areas.
The award comes in the wake of the council’s recent launch of the Cleaner, Safer, Greener campaign.
Chairman of the Economic Development Committee Councillor Keith Girling said: “This award is a testament to the work we are doing to make Newark and Sherwood a safer place to live, work and visit. We can provide reassurance to anyone using our council car parks that we have taken measures to ensure the safety of both their vehicle and themselves.”
Car parks with the Park Mark award can use signage featuring the distinctive Park Mark tick, so that drivers know exactly where to go for safer parking. Early adopters of the scheme saw a dramatic drop in vehicle-related crime of over 80% showing that the initiative really does make a difference.
Personal safety and location have been cited as joint priorities when choosing where to park. There are currently 5,000 car parks with the Park Mark award throughout the UK which can be found on a designated website, www.parkmark.co.uk.
To qualify, car parks must have accessible bays that meet British standards, which are at least 2.4 metres by 4.8 metres with a 1.2 metre safety or transition zone marked with cross patterned stripes along one side of the bay. Signage must give clear information and instructions for the use of a building and there should be level access between pedestrian entrances/exits and parking bays. Lifts or ramps must be provided where levels are not even. Lighting, payment machines and alternative payment methods also form part of the criteria as well as concessions where appropriate to allow disabled people additional time.