The three car parks — Gaol Street, Garrick Multi-Storey and Maylords Orchard — serve shoppers, workers and visitors to Hereford city centre.

Gaol Street, Garrick Multi-Storey and Maylords Orchard car parks have been awarded the Park Mark Safer Parking accreditation, a recognised standard for safe and secure parking facilities.

The award is part of the UK’s Safer Parking Scheme, supported by the British Parking Association and the police. It recognises parking facilities that take active steps to deter crime and reduce the fear of crime for visitors.

Car parks that achieve the standard are assessed against a range of requirements, including effective lighting, surveillance, good management and a clean, well-maintained environment. Facilities must demonstrate that appropriate measures are in place to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and create a safer space for both people and vehicles.

The achievement reflects Herefordshire Council’s ongoing commitment to improving safety and security in public spaces for residents, visitors and businesses. Signage recognising the accreditation will now be installed across the three sites to help drivers identify the safer parking locations.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Cllr Barry Durkin, said: 

“We are delighted that these key car parks across Hereford have met the rigorous criteria required for Park Mark Safer Parking accreditation. This demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, welcoming public spaces where residents and visitors can park with confidence. We will continue to work towards achieving this standard in other Council car parks as resources allow.”

Charles Naylor, Design Out Crime Officer for West Mercia Police, said:

“We welcomed the opportunity to work with Herefordshire Council and the British Parking Association to implement the Park Mark scheme in Hereford. While levels of crime and anti-social behaviour at these locations are already low, it is important that people continue to feel safe when using car parks in the city.”

While Matthew Robinson, Area Manager for the British Parking Association, added:

“I am delighted that Herefordshire Council has achieved the Park Mark award, demonstrating their hard work and commitment to providing a safe environment for people using their car parks.”

You can find more about car parks in Herefordshire on the Council's website.