Nottingham’s Council-run car parks have received a national award for high safety standards and the reassurance they provide to the public.
All 21 of the City Council’s off-street facilities have been handed Park Mark status, which is issued by the British Parking Association on behalf of the police.
Its primary focus is preventing crime and a requirement for operators to adopt a plan to deter criminals and make car parks safer for motorists.
The key aims of the scheme are:
- Reduce crime and the fear of crime within parking facilities
- Provide guidance to owners, operators and developers on how to establish and maintain a safe and secure environment
- Show the public that the owner or operator has introduced measures to ensure the parking facility is a safe environment, thus reducing crime and the fear of crime
- Provide a design framework for architects and developers of new parking facilities.
The Council was presented with its Park Mark accreditation at the new Broad Marsh car park, which opened at the end of last year.
The facility replaced an ageing predecessor as part of a wider regeneration of the south side of the city centre. The new car park is secure and well-lit, boasting:
- The largest number of electrical vehicle charging points at one location in the UK
- A vehicle management system which consists of electronic signs and lights showing available parking spaces, reducing vehicle movements and congestion
- An installation of 720 solar panels on the roof, providing renewable electrical energy to power the car park and bus station
- Sensor-controlled ventilation system which adapts with the car park ventilation requirements, removing harmful fumes
- Highly intelligent and energy-efficient lighting
- Use of recyclable materials, including steel, concrete and glass.
Councillor Rosemary Healy, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re delighted that our car parks have been recognised in this way and it’s a great early accolade for the new Broad Marsh facility.
“It’s not just about providing options for car parking in Nottingham, but making sure that people feel comfortable using them. We work hard to make sure our car parks are clean, safe, well-lit and secure – this is really important.”
Peter Gravells, Area Manager (Eastern) for the British Parking Association, said: “The Park Mark scheme is awarded to car parks that have been extensively risk-assessed and vetted by the police, who look at factors such as the standard of management, the adequacy of lighting, the cleanliness of the environment and the effectiveness of surveillance.
“The scheme benefits everyone. Users have peace of mind, knowing that they can leave their car in managed, secure and clean environment where it is unlikely to be vandalised or stolen. Park Mark car parks are well-lit and the customer is reassured on a personal security level. Car park operators benefit from increased and repeat custom.
“Nottingham has worked hard to earn this standard across its car parks and we look forward to continuing to work with the Council in the future.”