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Are multi-storey car parks less safe? What drivers need to know

Multi-storey car parks are a familiar sight in towns and cities across the UK. They offer a practical way to accommodate large numbers of vehicles in busy areas, making them a convenient choice for motorists.

But when it comes to parking, one question often comes to mind – are multi-storey car parks less safe?

The short answer is not necessarily; a multi-storey car park isn't automatically less safe than an outdoor car park. In fact, when it’s well designed, maintained and properly managed, a multi-storey facility can provide a high level of security for both drivers and their vehicles.

However, there are some factors that can make people feel less comfortable in multi-storey environments. Understanding these risks – and knowing what to look for when choosing where to park – can help you make a safer decision.

Why can multi-storey car parks feel less safe?

One of the biggest reasons multi-storey car parks can feel intimidating is their environment.

Unlike an open-air car park, a multi-storey facility often contains enclosed areas, ramps, stairwells, lifts and corners that may limit visibility. At quieter times, especially in the evening or overnight, these spaces can feel isolated. Women and girls in particular may experience fear in such facilities.

But this doesn't necessarily mean they are more dangerous – instead, it highlights the importance of good car park design and security measures. For example, features such as bright lighting, effective surveillance, good maintenance and management can all reduce opportunities for crime.

Safer Parking is the UK’s police-backed initiative for car parks which assesses the above factors, ensuring that they have low crime and measures in place to ensure the safety of people and their vehicles. You can find your nearest Safer Parking facility here.

Are vehicles more at risk in multi-storey car parks?

Vehicle crime can happen in any type of car park – whether a car is parked on the street, in an open-air facility or inside a multi-storey car park, there is always a risk of theft or criminal damage.

However, robust security measures can help to deter criminals – that’s why multi-storey car parks may benefit from:

  • CCTV surveillance covering entrances, exits, payment areas and parking levels
  • Good lighting throughout driving and pedestrian areas
  • Controlled entry and exit points to help monitor vehicles coming into and leaving the facility
  • Clear signage showing drivers where to go and highlighting security measures
  • Regular patrols or monitoring, particularly in larger facilities
  • Well-maintained surroundings that don't create unnecessary hiding places
  • Emergency help points or clearly displayed contact information

Ultimately, the quality of security measures is often more important than whether a car park has one level or several.

Sun shining through an empty multi-storey car park

What about personal safety?

For many people, personal safety is a bigger concern than vehicle security.

Walking back to your car in the evening can feel uncomfortable in a large, quiet multi-storey car park, particularly if there are stairwells, lifts and poorly lit corners to navigate.

But good design can, and should, help. Ideally, pedestrian routes should be clearly marked, well-lit and easy to navigate. CCTV should cover key areas, while entrances, exits and payment machines should be positioned where possible to maximise visibility.

If you're using a multi-storey car park at night, there are also some simple steps you can take to feel more confident.

Park close to pedestrian exits where possible

If you have a choice, consider parking close to a well-used entrance or pedestrian exit. You may also prefer a space on a level that’s busy and well lit.

Have your keys ready

When returning to your vehicle, have your keys accessible before you reach the car. This means you don't have to stand around searching through your belongings.

Stay aware of your surroundings

Avoid becoming distracted by your phone while walking through the car park. Staying aware of the people and activity around you can help you identify anything unusual.

Use designated pedestrian routes

Follow marked walkways rather than taking shortcuts between parked vehicles. These routes are designed to separate pedestrians from moving traffic wherever possible.

Trust your instincts

If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore that feeling. You can return to a busier area, contact someone you know, or speak to car park staff if assistance is available.

Does CCTV make a multi-storey car park safer?

CCTV is one of the most recognisable security features in modern car parks, and it does play an important role in creating a safer environment.

Cameras can provide monitoring of areas such as entrances and exits, payment machines, pedestrian access points and different parking levels. They can also provide valuable evidence if an incident occurs.

However, CCTV works best as part of a wider security strategy – a camera alone can't prevent every incident. Lighting, maintenance, staff presence, access controls and good car park design all contribute to a safer facility.

This is why it's worth looking at the overall security of a car park, rather than focusing on one individual feature.

Can the design of a car park affect safety?

Good car park design makes it easier for drivers and pedestrians to see what's happening around them and move through the facility safely.

Some features to look out for include:

  • Clear lines of sight
  • Bright, consistent lighting
  • Clearly marked pedestrian walkways
  • Wide, well-maintained ramps
  • Easy-to-find lifts and staircases
  • Clearly visible emergency exits
  • Signage that is easy to understand
  • CCTV positioned in key areas
  • Minimal areas that are hidden from view
  • Clean, well-maintained surroundings

A car park that’s clean, bright and well maintained can also give the impression that security is taken seriously.

An empty level of a multi-storey car park with bright lighting and clear signage

So, are multi-storey car parks less safe?

Not inherently – the number of floors isn't what determines whether a car park is safe. Instead, safety depends on a combination of its design, location, maintenance, management and security measures.

A poorly lit, badly maintained outdoor car park can present more concerns than a modern, well-managed multi-storey facility with comprehensive CCTV, controlled access and good lighting.

When choosing where to park, it's therefore worth looking beyond whether the car park is indoors, outdoors or multi-storey.

Ask yourself the following:

  • Is it well lit?
  • Is it busy?
  • Are there clear pedestrian routes?
  • Is CCTV visible?
  • Does the car park look well maintained?
  • Is there help available if something goes wrong?

These questions can give you a much better indication of how safe the facility is.

How can car park operators improve safety?

For car park owners and operators, creating a safer environment isn't simply about installing CCTV and hoping for the best. Security should be considered throughout the design and management of the facility.

Regular inspections can help identify broken lights, damaged equipment, blocked cameras, unclear signage or other issues that could affect safety – Safer Parking accreditation is awarded on an annual basis to ensure high standards are consistently met across car parks. Contact the team today to learn more about accreditation.

Technology can also play an increasingly important role. Modern parking systems – such as ANPR – can help operators monitor activity, manage access and provide additional information to drivers, while security technology can help deter and respond to incidents.

Most importantly, safety should be treated as an ongoing process rather than a one-off investment.

Choosing a safer place to park

Whether you're parking for ten minutes or several hours, it's worth taking a moment to consider your surroundings.

A well-managed multi-storey car park can be a perfectly safe and convenient place to leave your vehicle. Look for facilities that prioritise lighting, visibility, cleanliness, security and clear pedestrian access.

You can find all Safer Parking accredited facilities here – these car parks have undergone a comprehensive risk assessment conducted by the police, demonstrating that the appropriate measures are in place to reduce the likelihood of crime. 

Remember that feeling safe matters too. If you regularly park somewhere and feel uncomfortable, consider whether there is another nearby facility that offers a better environment.

Conclusion

So, are multi-storey car parks less safe?

No – not simply because they're multi-storey.

The safest car parks are those that combine thoughtful design with effective security, good maintenance and responsible management. For drivers, being aware of their surroundings and taking a few sensible precautions can provide an additional layer of reassurance.

At Safer Parking, we believe that parking should be about more than simply finding a space. A well-designed and properly managed car park can help people feel confident from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave.

Contact the team today to get Safer Parking accreditation and give your customers reassurance that safety is a priority in your car park.