Mid Sussex car parks retain '˜prestigious' police safety award

The British Parking Association, on behalf of Sussex Police, recently assessed the award-winning car parks, a spokesman from Mid Sussex District Council said.

All 17 have been recognised as examples of excellent parking design and will proudly display the ‘Park Mark’ sign of quality for the next 12 months.

‘Park Mark’ car parks have clear directional signage and use traffic flow techniques like one-way circulation so drivers are not confused about which way to go.

Pedestrian access and exit points are clearly indicated and painted paths highlight the safest places to walk.

Gary Marsh, cabinet member for service delivery, said: “Mid Sussex is already a low crime area but we’re committed to doing everything we can to deter crime and make residents feel safe.

“Park Mark car parks offer a safe and welcoming environment for local drivers and visitors to the area and I’m delighted that 17 of our car parks have met the standard again this year.”

‘Park Mark’ car parks have lower levels of crime and reduce the fear of crime because they have measures in place to deter offenders, such as perimeter fencing, surveillance and bright lighting.

They are also clean and well-kept to reassure drivers they are in a safer environment.

Litter and graffiti are quickly removed in order to deter further vandalism and criminal damage.

The ‘Park Mark’ is part of the UK Police flagship initiative ‘Secured by Design’ that promotes crime reduction through effective design and security standards in public buildings, roadways, footpaths and car parks as well as private houses.

The 17 car parks awarded are: Church Road, Burgess Hill, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill, Queens Crescent, Burgess Hill, Station Road, Burgess Hill, Broad Street, Cuckfield, Chequer Mead, East Grinstead, Christopher Road, East Grinstead, King Street, East Grinstead, Norton House, East Grinstead, Queensway, East Grinstead, Railway Approach, East Grinstead, Vicarage Road, East Grinstead, Orion, Hassocks, Hazelgrove, Haywards Heath, Muster Green, Haywards Heath, Orchards, Haywards Heath and Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint.

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