Welwyn Hatfield car parks awarded ‘Park Mark’ for safer parking

The Safer Parking Scheme is a national standard for UK car parks that have low crime, with measures in place to ensure the safety of people and vehicles. Each car park undergoes a rigorous assessment by specially trained assessors, looking at specific measures to reduce crime and increase safety such as appropriate lighting, effective surveillance, and a clean environment.  

Managed by the British Parking Association on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd, the scheme aims to reduce crime and the fear of crime in car parks across the UK. Car parks awarded the Park Mark award are clearly labelled by the distinctive Park Mark award tick so that drivers are aware that the car park is part of the scheme.

Additionally, The Common Multi Story car park in Hatfield and the Campus West car park in Welwyn Garden City have received Disabled Parking Accreditation for improving parking for people with disabilities and reducing the abuse of disabled spaces.

Cllr Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member for Environment, said:

“I am delighted that our car parks have been awarded with Park Mark and Disabled Parking accreditation.  Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield town centres have benefited from multi-million-pound regeneration programmes and it is essential that we have safe, and secure car parks that are accessible for everyone.  The Council is committed to maintaining high standards in its parking facilities. I would like to thank the parking team for their hard work in ensuring that our car parks are safe and congratulate them on achieving Park Mark and Disabled Parking accreditation.”

Gerry Brophy, Principal Crime Prevention Design Advisor, Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “Congratulations to all members of the Parking Services team at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. Following the recent Park Mark Award reassessment surveys of the Lemsford Road, Kennelwood Lane and Campus East Upper car parks, it is evident that all three facilities fully deserve to retain their Park Mark Award accreditation. The Council have seven car parks on the Park Mark scheme. It is always a pleasure to work with the team at the Welwyn Hatfield who very clearly value the principles of crime prevention and working in partnership with the British Parking Association and Hertfordshire Constabulary.”

Antony Powell from the British Parking Association said: “I am delighted that the three already accredited Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council car parks have all retained their Park Mark accreditation." Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council are long term supporters of the Park Mark scheme and these latest awards demonstrates the local authority`s hard work and commitment to provide a safer environment for all users of their parking facilities. Very well done to every member of the Parking Services team who are involved in the good management and operation of each of the seven Welwyn Hatfield car parks which are currently on the Park Mark scheme.”