Idlewells Shopping Centre awarded for safety and accessibility

Idlewells Shopping Centre MSCP, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire has again achieved the coveted Park Mark, Safer Parking Award and the Disabled Parking Accreditation for a further two years.

These awards are credited 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, aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking areas.

Chloe O’Donnell Centre Manager said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the Park Mark and Disabled Parking Accreditation again. We strive to provide a safe and clean environment for shoppers to park their car. It is testament to our Security and Housekeeping teams who work hard to ensure standards are maintained.’’

Designing out Crime Officer Boguslawa Motylska said: “We are really pleased with the facility and the results so far. Idlewells Shopping Centre car park is a well-designed facility that presents high standards of maintenance and great management practice. The award is a well-deserved recognition of on-going commitment to keeping people safer.”

Peter Gravells, British Parking Association Area Manager, said: “I am delighted that the car park has achieved the awards as it means that Idlewells Shopping Centre is continuing to deliver a safer environment for those using the facilities. It is a fantastic achievement and testament to the effective management and high parking standards being maintained."

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 and disabled motorists can find DPA car parks at dpaccreditation.org.uk

To qualify for the DPA car parks must have accessible bays that meet British standards, which are at least 2.4 meters by 4.8 meters with a 1.2 meter 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): Beat Manager, PC Julie Armstrong; Baxi Motylska, Notts Police Assessor; Peter Gravells, British Parking Association; Chloe O’Donnell, Centre Manager; Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, Craig Hall.