Students urged to look for the Park Mark as they start their new academic year
BPA and Police-CPI’s Safer Parking Scheme provides safer places to park
As thousands of students prepare to begin their university journeys, the British Parking Association (BPA) is proud to again draw attention to the importance of the Safer Parking Scheme. A police initiative aimed at reducing crime and fear of crime in car parks, it makes the moving-in experience – and the university experience as a whole – a smoother and safer one. The program is designed to provide safer parking facilities, increasing the feeling of confidence as students move into dorms, attend classes, and participate in university life both on and off campus.
The BPA is encouraging students to check the Park Mark® car park finder map at: www.parkmark.co.uk to easily identify safer parking facilities in their local area and use them with greater confidence knowing they have been assessed by the police. Students may also be interested in understanding more about another linked police crime prevention initiative for late night venues (pubs and clubs) too: www.licencingsavi.com
Managed by the BPA on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, each car park undergoes a rigorous assessment by specially trained police assessors. The Safer Parking Scheme introduces a range of security measures to car parks, protecting students and their property and reducing the risk of theft and other crimes in parking areas; facilities accredited under the scheme will be awarded the Park Mark® certification, indicating they meet the highest standards of safety and security.
The BPA’s Sara Fisher said “Starting university is exciting but also a stressful time for students and families. The Safer Parking Scheme provides peace of mind, ensuring parking facilities are well-lit, monitored, and safer places. We’re committed to ensuring the safety of all motorists is at the forefront of industry’s concern, and university students and their families are a key part of that.”
“Park Mark is part of the BPA’s ongoing commitment to public safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as students adjusting to life away from home. Working with the Police-CPI on this scheme means it is actively working to reduce incidents of car theft, break-ins, and other anti-social activities in university areas.”
Notes to editors
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact the BPA press office – email: media@britishparking.co.uk
1) The BPA is a not-for-profit membership association representing the UK’s parking and mobility sector. We provide a leading membership community to support parking and traffic management professionals to deliver the highest quality services that benefits society and the environment. We represent over 800 corporate members including local government, commercial providers, parking system operators, consultants, and academics. In addition, we have a separate membership structure for over 650 individuals and a range of benefits to support their professional development. Our vision is for a diverse and inclusive membership community that supports a parking and travel experience that exceeds expectations.
2) 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
3) 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. The BPA employs nine Area Managers to actively promote and manage the scheme throughout the UK.
4) 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.