Top mark for District Council car park

29 June 2009

The town’s Canterbury Road Car Park is the latest to reach the national safety standard, bringing the total number of Park Mark car parks in the Dales to 18.
 
The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Community Safety Partnerships originally developed the rural secure car park standard, which has now been adopted and modified throughout the country as part of the Park Mark scheme.
 
Vehicle crime plummeted by 44% in these car parks between 2002 and 2005.  The Derbyshire Dales has the lowest vehicle theft rate* in the whole of England and Wales, at just one theft per thousand residents.
 
Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, Chairman of the Safer Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership and Leader of the District Council, said: “In the three months to May there were a total of only seven recorded vehicle crimes in Wirksworth – that’s a decrease of more than 22% on the same period last year. We are proud that Derbyshire Dales crime levels are the lowest in the county and that our residents are the least likely in England to suffer a robbery or vehicle theft.
 
“Park Mark status for another of our car parks is a further step forward as we continue to work hard with police and partners to maintain the Derbyshire Dales’ exemplary record.”
 
Councillor Rose added: “We are delighted too that an initiative pioneered here in the Derbyshire Dales is now recognised nationally. Derbyshire Dales District Council is committed to increasing our number of Park Mark car parks still further in the coming year.”
 
A Park Mark is awarded when a car park has achieved the standards of the Safer Parking Scheme. This scheme is designed to create a safe, non-threatening environment in car parks. To achieve the standard, car parks must be properly managed, maintained and have good levels of surveillance, signage and cleanliness - all of which contribute to reducing the opportunity for crime.
 
Inspector Bryan Hall, who is responsible for neighbourhood policing across the Derbyshire Dales, said: “The Derbyshire Dales is one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit, and our Park Mark accredited car parks are helping make the district even safer.
 
“However, we would always urge drivers to lock their cars and to take all their belongings with them when they park. Motorists help keep their cars safe by making sure nothing is left on show or in the glove compartment which could attract a thief.”
 
For a full list of safer car parks throughout the UK visit www.saferparking.co.uk (opens in a new window)