16 years of safer parking at Newcastle International Airport

All of the Newcastle International Airport car parks have again received the prestigious Park Mark, the Safer Parking Scheme award that recognises car parks with measures in place that actively deter crime and the fear of crime in car parks. This includes the newest addition to the airport parking portfolio, the Premium Meet & Greet service located immediately opposite the terminal building.

A Park Mark is awarded to parking facilities that pass a rigorous risk assessment conducted by the police and the British Parking Association.  The assessments include management and maintenance of the facility, ensuring that 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.

Brian Stobbs, Northumbria Police said: “I am delighted that Newcastle Airport continues to achieve the Park Mark award as it demonstrates the hard work and commitment to providing a safe environment for both visitors to the airport and staff”.

Eric Wrightson, General Manager for Newcastle Park & Fly said “This is the 16th year in which we have been awarded Park Mark status at Newcastle Airport. I am very pleased that the airport has again received recognition for all of the hard work and effort that is put into ensuring our customers and their vehicles are safe whilst on site“.

Ryan Davey, Safer Parking Scheme Area Manager added: "To achieve the Park Mark award for 16 years consecutive years is an excellent achievement.  Customers can be assured of high standards and areas of minimal crime and this is especially important when it comes to Meet & Greet services.  I am delighted to be awarding the airport today.”

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 5000 car parks with the Park Mark award throughout the UK which can be found on a designated website www.parkmark.co.uk

Could you spot a Park Mark car park?  Have a go by taking this quiz www.britishparking.co.uk/parking-quiz

Photo: (left to right) Richard Thompson, Customer Service Manager, Newcastle Park & Fly; Brian Stobbs, Northumbria Police Designing Out Crime Officer; Eric Wrightson, General Manager, Newcastle Park & Fly;  Ryan Davey, Safer Parking Scheme Area Manager