#parkbetter – Safest Parking Spaces

It may be a sad fact that we have to be careful where we park our cars, but it’s true a fifth of all crime today is vehicle related.

As part of our #parkbetter campaign, we’re looking at the best ways of parking safely, including the most high tech car parks in the country, and some tips for those who don’t live near one of these parking fortresses.

The ultimate safe car park

You might not think that a car park in Derby could match the security of the President of the United States’ private plane, but you’d be wrong. A scientific study found that Bold Lane, which at the time hadn’t had a single break in or act of vandalism in six years, was as secure as some of the most famous and impenetrable places on the planet.


Photograph by Jerry Evans

Bold Lane is no simple Pay & Display. It boasts Panic Buttons, 190 CCTV cameras and credit card style entry keys. The only ways in or out are with a key or a car, so there is no chance of an opportunist thief taking a wander inside to browse.

Tips and Advice as we all can’t live near Bold Lane

Of course, ‘move to Derby’ is pretty extreme advice for everyone worried about parking safely. There are much easier ways to ensure your car and any valuables inside are safe and protected.

A safety scheme called Park Mark has been launched to assess the suitability of local car parks and identify the safest ones for drivers.

Looking for the Park Mark tick symbol lets you know that you are parking in one of the 4700 car parks nationally that have been inspected by experts and police officers to assess their safety in terms of adequate lighting, CCTV and clean environments.

Another safe and cool car park – Cube in Birmingham

You have to pay a monthly fee in order to use this car park, but the benefits are well worth it.

Your card is registered to a specific pass which allows you to park in one of four transfer garages. As you go on your way, your car is transported underground by a series of platforms and conveyor belts into an available parking space, all controlled by machine. When you return, simply swipe again and your car will be brought back.


Photograph by Tony Hisgett

Not only is it cool, but it’s incredibly safe. Only your pass will recall your car, and there is no easy access into the area where the cars are actually parked. Your car is kept safely out of reach and away from unwanted attention.

Hands up who wants a garage like this in every town?

Join the #parkbetter campaign on Facebook and upload your own examples of parking (Good or bad) here.