A parking scheme in Nottinghamshire have been recognised for its measures to actively deter crime and the fear of crime. It comes as Safer Streets is continuing to clampdown on anti-social behaviour by funding a Park Mark award in Eastwood.
A Park Mark status is awarded to parking facilities that have met the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the police. Victoria Street and Alexandra Street car parks in Eastwood have both been accredited the award and added on to the safer parking scheme.
The Safer Parking Scheme is managed by the British Parking Association on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives. To be part of the scheme, parking facilities must pass a risk assessment carried out by the police and the British Parking Association, these include assessing if there are appropriate levels of surveillance, lighting, signage, and its cleanliness.
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These criteria are said to reduce the opportunity for crime and create a safer environment for the public. Both Victoria Street and Alexandra Street car parks successfully passed the assessments, meaning that as the parking operator, Broxtowe Borough Council have put in place measures that help to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council said: “The two new safer parking awards in Eastwood complement the Council’s existing 15 other Park Mark awards in other car parks throughout the borough. The main benefits are that visitors and residents using the facilities feel safe, which support the town centre’s economic vitality and ensuring town centres continue to be a safe place to live, work and visit.”
Inspector Mike Ebbins, District Commander for Broxtowe, said: “It’s great for Eastwood that these car parks have been accredited with this award. I hope motorists who use these car parks now feel safer and more confident knowing these areas have measures in place to deter and prevent crime.”
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire secured £3 million from the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund in the summer and has been working with partners across the county, including Broxtowe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire Police, to implement a range of schemes to tackle neighbourhood crime, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls. The successful Park Mark awards were partially funded through Safer Streets to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Caroline Henry, Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, said: “Preventing crime and the fear of crime is crucial in making sure the public feel safe when they are out and about in their communities. By funding initiatives such as the Park Mark award, it gives the public confidence that partners are working together to keep them safe.”
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