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News

Poole’s Parking Hits The ‘Park Mark’

Two more of Poole’s car parks have been given the seal of approval by a national scheme to cut crime in parking areas.

Sandbanks and the Dolphin Swimming Pool car parks have both successfully passed inspections by the National Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme.

As well as these new additions, all of Poole’s multi-storey car parks (MSCPs), including the Dolphin Shopping Centre, Quay Visitors and High Street Shops, and Shoppers 1 & 2 in the Town Centre are now accredited through the scheme.

The Park Mark scheme, run by the Association of Chief Police Officers and administered by the British Parking Association , aims to cut crime and the fear of crime in car parks.

Assessments of Sandbanks and the Dolphin Swimming Pool car parks found both provide a safer and well-managed environment for customers, with measures in place to reduce criminal activity.

The Borough of Poole has focused on improving all car parks, including the Quay Visitors car park, which has undergone an external makeover. Working as part of the Poole Safe Together Partnership, the aim is to reduce crime levels in car parks to an all-time low.

In addition to site patrols, audible warning systems have been installed in all MSCPs to advise people against leaving valuables on display in their vehicles. Drivers have also been issued reusable display posters for their vehicles to deter potential thieves as valuables left on display are a major cause of crime.

Further improvements planned over the next two years include replacing all the fire doors and ensuring MSCPs continue to be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Cllr Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Local Economy and Transport, said: “I am delighted the town’s car parks have achieved national recognition. We work closely with the Police to find new ways to combat crime in car parks and our initiatives are proving successful in reducing crime levels.”

Richard Hein, Parking Services Manager, said: “We are proactive in making sure the car parks in Poole are clean, tidy and safe and we always seek to make improvements. The accreditation from Park Mark on two more of our car parks, is a great  result and shows that our car parks meet the national standard.”

Richard Hein, Parking Services Manager, Borough of Poole, Tel: 01202 262150