Gunwharf Quays achieves Park Mark award for its parking facilities for 15th consecutive year
Photo: Chris Beech, Car Park Manager (left) and Dave Metcalf, BPA Area Manager
Gunwharf Quays, the south coast’s leading premium outlet shopping centre, has been recognised for its safer parking facilities with the Park Mark award for the 15th consecutive year.
A Park Mark is awarded to parking facilities that pass a rigorous risk assessment conducted by the police and the British Parking Association including; management and maintenance, levels of surveillance, lighting, signage, and cleanliness. These criteria are known to reduce the opportunity for crime and create a safer environment for the motorist and their vehicle.
David Metcalf, British Parking Association Area Manager, said: “I am delighted that Gunwharf Quays continues to be in the Safer Parking Scheme. They have a very prestigious site, which was recognised by the European Parking Award a few years ago and it has achieved Park Mark now for 15 consecutive years. The site is very well managed by Chris Beech and his team and it is always a pleasure to visit such a progressive site. They are also among the first in the UK to achieve the Disabled Parking Accreditation, which compliments their desire to assist everyone in the motoring community”.
Colin Wilding, General Manager at Gunwharf Quays, said: “We work hard to ensure our guests and staff feel safe and secure within the centre at all times and this award is testament to the hard work of the car park management team.”
Car parks with the Park Mark award can use signage featuring the distinctive Park Mark tick, so that drivers know exactly where to go for safer parking. Early adopters of the scheme saw a dramatic drop in vehicle-related crime of over 80% showing that the initiative really does make a difference.
Personal safety and location have been cited as joint priorities by motorists when choosing where to park. There are currently 5000 car parks with the Park Mark award throughout the UK, which can be found on parkmark.co.uk.