What actually keeps your car safe in an airport car park? We looked at the security measures behind the Park Mark award and what they mean for your vehicle while you travel.
What is the Park Mark standard?
Park Mark is the Safer Parking Scheme award, run by the British Parking Association and assessed by the police. To earn it, a car park must meet standards for surveillance, lighting, layout and management designed to deter crime. Every car park we list holds this award. It is not a guarantee against all risk, but it sets a recognised security baseline that unaccredited car parks may not meet.
What security measures do car parks use?
Accredited airport car parks typically combine several measures: perimeter fencing to control access, floodlighting to remove dark spots, continuous CCTV, barrier-controlled or ANPR entry and exit, and regular staff patrols. Off-airport compounds add these around open-air parking, while multi-storeys use them within the structure. Together they reduce the opportunity for theft or damage, which is why pre-booking an accredited car park beats parking somewhere unknown.
How is my car protected during Meet & Greet?
With Meet & Greet, your car is driven by an insured operator and parked in a secure, Park Mark compound. Reputable operators document the vehicle's condition at handover and return, protecting both sides if a dispute arises. The car is only moved to and from the compound. Choosing an established, accredited operator, as we list, means the same security standards apply as for self-park, plus a documented condition record.
How can you protect your own car?
Security is a partnership. Whatever car park you choose, remove valuables and documents, close windows and any sunroof, and take nothing of value on display. Photograph the car before leaving it for your own record. These simple habits, combined with an accredited car park, give the best protection. Compare Park Mark approved options for your airport with us, apply BCP30 for up to 30% off, and travel with peace of mind.
More questions
Accredited car parks combine perimeter fencing, floodlighting, continuous CCTV, barrier or ANPR entry, and regular patrols. The Park Mark award, assessed by the police, certifies these standards. Every car park we list holds it.
Park Mark is the police-assessed Safer Parking standard, requiring surveillance, lighting, layout and management measures to deter crime. It is not insurance but sets a recognised security baseline; we only list Park Mark approved car parks.
Remove valuables and documents, close windows and any sunroof, and leave nothing on display. Photograph the car before leaving it. Combined with an accredited Park Mark car park, these habits give the best protection while you travel.
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