Council delighted at awards for safety and accessibility
Fifteen of Tendring District Council’s car parks have been officially recognised for their excellent safety measures.
Sites across the district have been awarded Park Mark, the Safer Parking Award following recent inspections from the British Parking Association (BPA) and a police assessor. Twelve of these car parks were also awarded with the Disability Parking Accreditation in recognition of the high standard of disabled parking bays.
The Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives and is aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities. 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.
Cllr Michael Talbot, Portfolio Holder for Environmental and Public Spaces said: “A lot of hard work goes into getting these awards and we should not take that for granted.”
“I am sure that both residents and visitors who use these sites will appreciate the effort that has been made by staff to maintain high levels of safety and accessibility.” He added.
Graham Chapman, British Parking Association Area Manager, said: “I am delighted that Tendring council has once again achieved the Park Mark award for 15 of its car parks as well as 12 New Disabled Parking Accreditations which clearly demonstrates the hard work and commitment to providing a safe environment for all users.”
Graham Footer, Chief Executive of Disabled Motoring UK said: “Disabled Motoring UK is pleased that Tendring has achieved the DPA at 15 of its car parks. This demonstrates that the authority takes accessibility, enforcement and provision of accessible parking for disabled motorists seriously. We very much hope that more authorities will take up the accreditation and show their commitment to provide excellent parking facilities to their disabled customers.”
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
There is a designated DPA website where disabled people can search for a car park with the accreditation www.dpaccreditation.org.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.
Photo: (left to right) George Eames, Civil Enforcement Officer; Lucy Easton, parking services, Tendring District Council; Graham Footer, Chief Executive, DMUK; Graham Chapman, BPA Area Manager; Mick Simson, Civil Enforcement Officer Supervisor; Ian Davidson, Chief Executive, Tendring District Council.
