Sunderland has some of the best car parks in the UK

Nine Sunderland city centre car parks have retained their prestigious safer parking awards.

The distinctive Park Mark is a national standard for UK car parks experiencing low crime levels and with measures in place to ensure the safety of people and vehicles.  The award allows drivers to find car parks where they can confidently leave their vehicles, knowing the environment is safer.  

The nine car parks are:

• St Mary’s Multi-Storey
• Sunniside Multi-Story
• Central Car Park
• Nile Street
• Tatham Street
• Charles Street
• High Street West
• Livingstone Road
• West Wear Street

Inspectors from the police and British Parking Association carried out unannounced visits to Sunderland’s car parks in May.

Cllr Michael Mordey, Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for City Services said: “Winning these awards again demonstrates our commitment to giving drivers secure and safe places to leave their vehicles, whether their visit to Sunderland is business related or for pleasure.

“I would like to pay tribute to all our teams who work extremely hard keeping our car parks clean and tidy, and who take the safety and security of all drivers and their vehicles extremely seriously.”

Phil Taylor the North Eastern Area Manager for the Scheme said” The Sunderland Council car parks have had Safer Parking status since 2004, and have constantly reached the standards set by the Scheme. You just need to look around the car parks to see the things which make it such a good example. The boundaries, lighting, vehicle layout and signage are clear for all their customers to see. The car parks are always clean and tidy and these together with exemplary management practices ensure they are safe and offer a great experience for everybody  who visits the car parks daily. The management are dedicated to making the car parking experience a pleasure for every customer.”

The Safer Parking Award aims to raise security standards within car parks and effectively reduce car related crime.