West Berkshire car parks are a safe place to park

Car parks across West Berkshire have been recognised as being some of the safest in the country.

Thirteen car parks in Pangbourne, Thatcham and Newbury have recently been awarded the prestigious Park Mark award. To be awarded, car parks undergo a rigorous risk assessment by a police assessor who looks at surveillance, prompt repairs, lighting, signage and cleanliness. A British Parking Association (BPA) area manager assesses the management of the car park. If a car park passes, the police award a Park Mark.   

Jeanette Clifford, West Berkshire Council’s executive member for Highways and Transport, was presented with Park Mark awards for 13 of our car parks by Michael Gardner from the British Parking Association today (17 August 2017).

On receiving the awards Councillor Clifford said: ‘We’re delighted with these awards. We know that our residents and visitors want to leave their cars in safe, well managed car parks. The Park Mark awarded to our car parks gives confidence that, in West Berkshire, they can do just that.'  

Michael Gardner from the BPA said: “These awards are very well deserved and testament to the hard work and enthusiasm that goes on behind the scenes to maintain the standards required. Having worked with the West Berkshire car park team over a number of years it is always impressive to see their professionalism and conscientious approach in how they manage these car parks and they are congratulated in that respect.”

Romy Freiburghaus from Thames Valley Police said: "The distinctive Park Mark signage helps drivers find car parks where they can confidently leave their vehicle, knowing the environment is safer. We award the car park not the organisation. 

“We look at their security measures such as lighting, natural surveillance and clear signage. Thames Valley Police is proud to work with West Berkshire Council in providing car park
facilities which have achieved the required standard to be awarded the Park Mark signage.”

The 13 car parks awarded today are in Newbury, Pangbourne and Thatcham at the following locations:

Newbury - Market Street; Central; Kennet Centre; Library; Northbrook multi-storey; Corn Exchange; Northcroft Lane; Pelican Lane; West Street; Wharf Road.

Pangbourne - Station Road.

Thatcham - Kingsland Centre; Station.

Photo: West Berkshire Civil Enforcement Officers with (L to R) Romy Fraser, Thames Valley Police; Cllr James Fredrickson; PC Tim Emery; Cllr Jeanette Clifford; Michael Gardner, BPA.