The British Parking Association welcomes new Government funding to improve HGV Parking and driver welfare

The British Parking Association (BPA) is delighted that the UK Government will be investing over £14 million in improving working conditions within the freight sector. This significant investment underscores their commitment to modernise the freight industry, enhance operations, and ensure better working environments for the workforce.

We are encouraging operators to adopt "Park Mark Freight" to meet these higher standards. This accreditation stands at the forefront of transforming freight parking locations across the country. As part of the well-regarded Police Crime Prevention Initiative Safer Parking Scheme, Park Mark Freight aims to provide secure and safe parking facilities for freight drivers, enhancing their wellbeing and operational efficiency.

The Park Mark Freight initiative:

  • - Develops and improves secure parking locations for freight vehicles, minimising the risk of theft and damage.
  • - Fosters a safer and more supportive working environment conducive to the needs of freight drivers.
  • - Improves amenities and support services available at freight parking sites to enhance drivers' rest periods and overall experiences.

The BPA’s Sara Fisher said “The BPA is committed to promoting and supporting industry transformation projects focused on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Park Mark Freight stands as a testament to our organisation's dedication to advancing standards within the parking and freight sectors. With this funding, Park Mark Freight is not just a vision but a comprehensive plan to deliver pivotal changes that will benefit both the industry and its workforce.

This initiative promises to make significant strides in resolving current infrastructure constraints, by setting new benchmarks for freight operations and prioritising drivers' welfare.”

For further details on "Park Mark Freight" and involvement opportunities within groundbreaking projects, please visit the BPA website https://www.britishparking.co.uk/park-mark-freight.

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.