A COUNCIL is celebrating after all of its 16 car park in the district retained national awards.

Braintree Council’s facilities have been awarded the national Safer Parking Scheme’s ‘Park Mark’ status for a sixth successive year following an assessment by the British Parking Association and police.

The award recognises the investment made by owners who maintain high standards in their car parks, ensure the safety of customers and their vehicles, and where there are low cases of crime.

Braintree Council's car parks once again much of the assessors criteria thanks to the presence of CCTV, lighting, signage and cleanliness.

Environment and Place boss Wendy Schmitt said: “It’s great news that our car parks have once again been awarded Park Mark status recognising our ongoing investment and commitment to maintaining high quality and convenient parking facilities across the district. People and visitors can feel assured that their vehicles will be safe and secure in our car parks.”

Graham Chapman, Area Manager for British Parking Association, added: “I am very pleased that once again Braintree Council has committed to ensuring that 16 car parks have complied with the standards required by the Police owned Park Mark scheme by providing quality management and a clean environment with low recorded crime and anti-social behaviour. It is reassuring for the residents of Braintree to know that despite cutbacks they see the value in maintaining car parks to acceptable Police award standards which are monitored annually by the BPA and Essex Police.”

Customers using the car parks can also take advantage of the 10p parking after 3pm initiative from Monday to Saturday and all day on a Sunday.

All car parks now also offer convenient cashless parking via app, phone or text. ApplePay and card/contactless payment are also available at car parks.