Park Mark and Park Access awarded to South Tyneside Council
South Tyneside Council has demonstrated the highest standards across its parking operations
The car parks managed by South Tyneside Council have achieved the prestigious Park Mark and Park Access awards for 23 of their managed car parks. This is a fantastic achievement recognising that its parking facilities have measures in place that actively deter crime and the fear of crime in car parks.
Park Mark® is the accredited logo of the Safer Parking Scheme. It is given to parking facilities that have achieved the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the Police and the British Parking Association. Their assessments include management and maintenance of the facility, checking that there are appropriate levels of surveillance, lighting, signage, and cleanliness. All these are known to reduce the opportunity for crime and thus create a safer environment for the motorist and their vehicle.
Car parks with a Park Mark® can use signage featuring the distinctive Park Mark® tick so drivers know exactly where to go for safe parking. Facilities that have received this award have seen a drop in vehicle-related crime of over 80%.
Park Access® is a brand new accreditation that aims to become recognised throughout the whole of the UK for accessible and inclusive parking and electric vehicle charging facilities. Park Access will enable everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs, to identify car parks and facilities, such as EV charge points, that they can use with ease.
The Park Access accreditation is issued to parking facilities that pass a rigorous risk assessment conducted by the British Parking Association. This award recognises that the parking and driver facilities in place are accessible to all drivers regardless of their mobility needs.
Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, said: “We’re delighted that our car parks have been accredited with these awards, recognising that we have put measures in place to help deter crime and to ensure our car parks are safe, inclusive and accessible. Our Foreshore and South Shields town centre car parks have benefited from upgraded ticket machines, improved signage and the installation of CCTV.”
Chief Inspector Phil Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is fantastic work from our officers and partners to provide advice and support to ensure good quality and safer parking facilities are available for residents in South Tyneside and visitors to the area all year round. We have a clear focus on prevention as one of our Force priorities and are pleased to have been able to make a significant contribution towards efforts in driving down crime at car parks in the borough. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to always leave their vehicles locked and any valuables kept out of sight. Opportunistic criminals will often look to try car doors or look for items but when they can’t gain access to a vehicle they simply move on to another area. For further crime prevention advice, please see our website.”
Ryan Davey, BPA Area Manager said: “I am delighted that South Tyneside Council has achieved both the Park Mark and Park Access awards for so many of its car parks, demonstrating their hard work and commitment to provide a safe and accessible environment for users.”
For more information visit https://www.britishparking.co.uk/Schemes
To find Park Mark awarded car parks visit www.parkmark.co.uk
Photo left to right:
C/Insp Phil Baker, Northumbria Police
Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, South Tyneside Council
Notes to editors
For more information please contact the BPA press office – email: media@britishparking.co.uk or visit our Newsroom.
- The BPA is a not-for-profit membership association. We collaborate with our members and stakeholders so they can support their local communities by providing the parking services they need and improving compliance with parking rules and regulations.
- The Safer Parking Scheme is a national standard for UK car parks that have low crime and measures in place to ensure the safety of people and vehicles. A Park Mark is awarded to each car park that achieves the challenging standards. The distinctive Park Mark signage helps drivers find car parks where they can confidently leave their vehicle, knowing the environment is safer
- The BPA manages the Safer Parking Scheme on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd (Police-CPI) and with support from the Home Office and the Scottish Government. Nine Area Managers are employed by the BPA to actively promote and manage the scheme throughout the U
- Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd owns the police element of the project. Police CPI works alongside Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to deliver the police element of the Safer Bus Station Scheme.