Safer Parking accreditation integral to Tendring’s investment in safer, higher-quality car parks

Tendring District Council’s continued investment in its car parks is helping deliver safer and more welcoming facilities for residents, shoppers and visitors – with Safer Parking accreditation playing an integral role in driving improvements across the district.

The council recently completed a £95,000 upgrade to Wellesley Road Car Park in Clacton, with the project delivered ahead of schedule. Some of the works included resurfacing the busy town-centre car park and installing new pay-and-display machines, giving the facility a smarter appearance and helping ensure it remains well maintained for those using it.

These improvements form part of Tendring District Council’s wider commitment to maintaining high standards across its parking facilities – an approach reinforced by its participation in the police-backed Safer Parking initiative.

Earlier this month, a further 11 council-run car parks achieved Safer Parking awards, bringing the total number of accredited sites across Tendring to 32.

The award recognises car parks that have met high standards across various areas, such as safety, cleanliness, lighting and management. Importantly, the accreditation process helps operators identify opportunities to improve facilities, thus ensuring that safety remains central to the car park.

The latest accredited sites are Tower Street in Brightlingsea; Agate Road and Elm Grove in Clacton; Lower Marine Parade and West End Lane in Dovercourt; The Quay and Wellington Road in Harwich; Ipswich Road in Holland-on-Sea; Jaywick Beach; and Church Road and High Street in Walton-on-the-Naze.

For Tendring District Council, the scale of investment means that accreditation is not simply recognition of existing standards, but part of a broader programme of continual improvement.

Wellesley Road demonstrates this approach in practice. The £95,000 scheme, carried out by contractor Harrington Brothers, began on 14 September and was originally expected to take two weeks. However, the car park was reopened ahead of schedule on 24 September following the successful completion of the resurfacing and installation of new payment machines.

Tendring District Council’s approach demonstrates how accreditation can sit alongside tangible investment in infrastructure. The improvements at Wellesley Road, together with the council’s programme of investment across its wider car park network, show a clear commitment to providing facilities that people can use with confidence.

Reaching 32 Safer Parking accredited sites is a significant achievement, but what is particularly encouraging is the way Tendring is continuing to invest in its facilities – accreditation demonstrates high standards, while also supporting a culture of ongoing improvement.

Councillor Mick Barry, Tendring District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said:

“Parking is something people tell us matters to them, whether they are popping into town, visiting the seafront, supporting local businesses or spending time with family and friends.

“That is why we are continuing to invest in our car parks, including the improvements at Wellesley Road, so they remain safe, clean and well looked after for the people who use them.

“The latest Safer Parking awards are welcome recognition of that ongoing work, but the real benefit is making sure residents, businesses and visitors can have confidence in facilities across Tendring.”

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, added:

“Good parking helps people get into our town centres, visit the seafront and support the local businesses that are such an important part of our communities, which is why we continue to invest in our car parks.

“It’s encouraging to see so many of our sites recognised through the Safer Parking initiative, giving residents and visitors added peace of mind when they’re out and about.”

With 32 sites now accredited, Tendring District Council is demonstrating its commitment to making safety, security along with good management an integral part of its approach to car park investment.

The Safer Parking initiative recognises car parks that meet defined standards for safety, security, cleanliness, lighting and management. Accreditation also supports a process of continual improvement, helping car park operators identify opportunities to maintain and enhance standards for the people who use their facilities.

The £95,000 improvement at Wellesley Road is a clear example of that approach in action. Alongside the resurfacing and installation of new pay-and-display machines, the project forms part of the council’s wider investment in providing car parks that are safe, well maintained, accessible and welcoming.

For Tendring District Council, Safer Parking accreditation is therefore not simply recognition of the standard of its car parks – it’s an integral part of its commitment to continually improving the experience and confidence of visitors.