Safer car parks and cycle racks in Northampton
Northampton has seen a 16 per cent rise in bike thefts in last two years compared to eight per cent drop across the county.
Cash from the government's Safer Streets project will be used to make car parks safer and combat the jump in bike crime.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Mold, has used part of a £1.45million grant to install 30 high-security pods where cyclists can park their bikes safely and seven car parks in the town are being improved as part of the same project to meet the Park Mark standard.
Streetpods will be installed at 19 key locations on Wellingborough Road and Kettering Road.
Mr Mold said: “We are investing in a number of different measures to make the streets of Northampton safer for all. Streetpods provide a practical solution for the many cyclists of Northampton who live in the area or using local facilities and are concerned about security when leaving their bikes.
“The Park Mark accreditation initiative gives residents and visitors the reassurance that owners and operators of the parking facilities have considered and taken action to ensure that their car park is a safe and secure environment for both vehicles and people.”
Streetpods protect the front wheel within a casing, whilst the frame and rear wheel are secured using just a single lock. The Streetpods hold a Sold Secure Silver certification, and are a police approved Secured by Design licensed product, providing additional reassurance to cyclists.
The Park Mark award, which is managed by the British Parking Association, is designed to reduce both crime and fear of crime in parking facilities and is awarded following a rigorous assessment conducted by police assessors. Market Street and Melbourne Street car parks are primarily used by shoppers and visitors to the town centre and will be upgraded along with Melbourne Walk, Bouverie Walk, Vernon Walk, Elizabeth Walk and Woodstock which are owned by Northampton Partnership Homes and provide parking for their residents.
Car park maintenance and management, lighting, surveillance and access control are some of the factors considered as part of the Park Mark assessment.
