2nd of April 2020cil Park s Awarded Park Mark
The Durham County Council Park & Ride 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. The 3 car parks are Sniperley, Howlands Farm and Belmont.
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.
Jordan Ord, Architectural Liaison Officer for Durham Police said: “I am pleased that Durham County Council continues to achieve the Park Mark award as it demonstrates the hard work and commitment to providing a safe environment for users of the car parks”.
Ryan Davey, Area Manager for the British Parking Association said: “This is the 11th year in a row that the park and rides have received the awards. They have continued to meet the standards throughout this time offering safer parking to the car park customers which is a great achievement“.
Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We actively encourage people to use sustainable forms of transport such as our popular park and ride sites at Howlands Farm, Sniperley and Belmont and for them to do so, it is really important that they feel safe. Receiving Park Mark recognition once again for the sites is proof that we do provide safe environments and we are immensely proud of that fact.”
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.
Photo: (left to right) Ryan Davey, British Parking Association Area Manager; Jordan Ord, Designing Out Crime Officer; Kieron Moralee, Durham Constabulary; NSL Parking and Infrastructure Team Leader, Durham County Council
