Shropshire car parks among the safest in the country

Pictured from left: Zoe Mortimer (Engineering & Contracts Manager), Michael Gardner (British Parking Association), Councillor Simon Jones (Portfolio Holder for Transport), Charles Naylor (Crime Risk Advisor - West Mercia Police) and Doug Hosking (Parking & Transport Officer).

Shropshire Council’s car parks have been recognised by the police in a national safer parking scheme for the second year running.

The scheme is designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime in car parks and facilities that attain the standard are awarded the ‘Park Mark’ certificate.

The Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers and is managed by the British Parking Association.

The police have awarded 29 ‘Park Marks’ to Shropshire Council, which includes three Park and Ride sites in Shrewsbury.

The award demonstrates that car parks provide police-accredited parking to reflect:

• Quality management
• Effective surveillance
• Appropriate lighting
• Clean environment

The inspection needs to show that measures in place deter criminal activity and create a safer environment for the driver and their vehicle.  The scheme also requires that the facility is properly managed, maintained and has appropriate levels of surveillance, lighting, signage, cleanliness and crime reported incidents are very low or nil – all of which contribute to reducing the opportunity for crime and means safer parking for drivers.

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for car parks, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for the council.  These awards are recognised nationally as a statement of excellence and demonstrate that our car parks are meeting the stringent standards set by the British Parking Association.  Increasing the feeling of public safety in our county car parks is a high priority and we are continuing to work on improvements which will bring more of our car parks up to the Safer Parking standard.”

Speaking about the awards, Shropshire Council’s parking and transport officer, Doug Hosking, said:

“Shropshire Council remains committed to ensuring our county car parks are safer places.  The Park Mark awards demonstrate that we are implementing the most effective measures possible to ensure car parks are safer and secure for the people who use them.

“To have been given Park Mark awards for our car parks is phenomenal.  We strive to provide our customers with quality parking destinations around Shropshire offering convenience and security and these awards highlight that we are achieving this.  It’s important for our customers to know they can park their car in a safer environment.”

Charles Naylor, crime risk advisor at West Mercia Police, added:

“Making Shropshire a safe place to visit not only improves the lives of residents and tourists, but also promotes the area as a safe, attractive and viable destination.  We aim to fly the flag for Shropshire and spread the word that crime is down and will continue to work with partner agencies to instil pride and strengthen communities.”

Michael Gardner, of the British Parking Association, said:

“The Park Mark award is all about reducing crime and the fear of crime.  By achieving this prestigious award, Shropshire Council provides a benefit of safer parking for its residents and visitors alike.  In these financially challenging times for local authorities it is impressive that that they have maintained the standards required, and this is greatly helped by the enthusiastic approach and support for the Park Mark scheme by Doug Hosking and his team.”