The Horsefair Shopping Centre car park, operated by Horizon Parking, has been awarded the Safer Parking Scheme’s “Park Mark” for the first time.

The car park is unique in Fenland as it is currently the only parking facility to achieve the award, demonstrating the centre’s positive commitment to the users of the car park.

A Park Mark is awarded to parking facilities that pass a rigorous risk assessment conducted by the police and the British Parking Association.  The assessments include management and maintenance of the facility, ensuring that there are appropriate levels of surveillance, lighting, signage and cleanliness.  These criteria are known to reduce the opportunity for crime and create a safer environment for the motorist and their vehicle.

Discussing the Park Mark award, Kevin Smith, Centre Manager of the Horsefair, said: “Safe and secure car parking is a necessity for shoppers so we are delighted that our car park has been recognised. To be the first car park in Fenland to receive this recognition is a fantastic achievement! I’d like to praise our highly professional security and cleaning team for their hard work towards making our car park a safe and welcoming environment.”

Peter Gravells, British Parking Association Area Manager, said: “I am delighted that Horsefair Shopping Centre has been awarded Park Mark.  It is the first award for this area so it is really special and all the staff should feel very proud of their achievement.  As part of the ongoing process required for the Safer Parking Scheme, the site will be assessed every two years with Dave Griffin the Cambridgeshire Police Assessor to ensure it continues to meet the scheme’s standards.”

Following renovations earlier this year the Horsefair Shopping Centre car park now offers 359 spaces of which 14 are designated accessible bays and 13 are designated parent and child bays. This is offered as part of the centre’s new more shopper friendly parking scheme and the reduced tariff costs that were introduced.

(Left to right) Steve Crowther, regional manager for Horizon Parking; Kevin Smith from the Horsefair; Dave Griffin, the local police Designing Out Crime officer; and Peter Gravells, area manager for the British Parking Association.