Inverness car park steps up to the mark
An award for an Inverness multi-storey car park will give assurance to motorists that the facility meets the highest standards in safe parking.
Staff at The Highland Council’s Old Town Rose Street car park have stepped up to the mark again following a recent assessment and inspection of the city centre facility.
The car park has retained the prestigious ‘Park Mark’ Safer Parking Award for the next three years which was recently presented to Car Park Supervisor, Philip Barron by Northern Constabulary’s Chief Inspector Graeme Murdoch.
Presenting the award Chief Inspector Murdoch said: “The work done by Highland Council to modernise the Old Town Rose Street car park shows what can be done by dedicated staff with a real commitment to providing what is a first class and well run amenity. Crime and other concerning incidents within the car park are virtually negligible and this is a direct result of a range of improvements to security and the professionalism and vigilance of the staff. Philip Barron and his team should be justly proud of what they have achieved and this award is well deserved.”
Administered by the British Parking Association, the Park Mark Award is granted to parking facilities which meet a set criteria independently assessed by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
The criteria covers various aspects including: crime figures, surveillance, lighting, boundaries, vehicle and pedestrian entry and exit routes, landscaping, staff presence and patrols and management practices concerning, cleaning, maintenance, recording of complaints and incidents, emergency procedure plans and staff training.
The car park was praised as one of the safest in the country and an example to other operators who wish to obtain the Award. Highland Council’s continuing financial investment in the car park made this award possible along with the Car Park Supervisor and his team, who were commended for their high standards and friendly approach.
Customers using car parks that have won the Park Mark Safer Parking Award are in areas that have been vetted by the Police to make sure that the site has measures in place to create a safe environment.
Park Mark awarded facilities are run by operators who are concerned with their users’ safety and the safety of their vehicles, and who have done their best to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour. The key aims are to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime. Two other main car parks in the city, the Eastgate, and Falcon car parks, also have Park Mark status.
Provost Jimmy Gray said: “Congratulations to Philip and his team for all their continuous hard work in keeping their customers safe. We want people using the facility to feel happy and secure in the knowledge that we are doing the best we can to make Rose Street car park safe. As an early Christmas present, The Inverness Common Good Fund is also offering cut price parking on each Saturday in the run up to Christmas Day. Motorists will be able to park their cars in the Old Town Rose Street for 20p for up to 4 hours of parking. The concession started on 26 November and will continue on Saturdays, 3, 10, 17 and 24 December.”
Philip Barron, Highland Council’s Car Park Supervisor said: “We have introduced a number of ways to help people using Rose Street car park feel safer and enjoy their visit more while in Inverness. In addition to providing spaces for 850 vehicles for short, daily, long stay and annual parking we offer breakdown assistance, advice, information and will assist or accompany those who require it. We aim to provide a friendly and helpful service to our car park users and know many of the contract yearly drivers and their vehicles by sight.”
Head Traffic Warden John Beet said: “Continual improvements have seen this car park become ever more safe, well-lit, and user-friendly. The Traffic Wardens have no hesitation in recommending it to motorists who are looking for either day, or long-term parking close to both the bus and railway station. It appeals to the public, and especially vulnerable users, as it is fully covered by a CCTV system helping to keep them, and their vehicles, safe.”
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