What is a Park Mark Award? (And Why It Matters)

When booking airport parking, you will often see the Park Mark award mentioned. But what is it, and why does it matter? Here is a plain-English explanation of the UK's key car park security standard.

What is the Park Mark award?

Park Mark, officially the Safer Parking Scheme, is a UK award run by the British Parking Association and backed by the police. It recognises car parks that meet a defined standard for safety and security. When a car park displays the Park Mark, it has been assessed and approved as a place that takes meaningful steps to deter crime and protect vehicles and their owners.

What does a car park need to earn it?

To achieve Park Mark, a car park is assessed against measures that reduce the opportunity for crime: effective surveillance such as CCTV, good lighting, secure perimeters and fencing, clear signage, and a clean, well-managed environment. The assessment is carried out with police input, and the award is reviewed regularly rather than granted once and forgotten, so standards are maintained over time.

Why does Park Mark matter for airport parking?

Airport parking means leaving your car for days or weeks, so security is paramount. The Park Mark award gives you an independent, police-assessed assurance that the car park meets a recognised standard, rather than relying on an operator's own claims. It is the single most useful signal of a trustworthy, secure car park, which is why we only list Park Mark approved operators across all the airports we cover.

How do I check a car park has Park Mark?

Reputable operators display the Park Mark prominently, and a comparison platform like ours shows accreditation on each listing. If you book directly elsewhere, look for the award on the operator's website or ask them. Be cautious of any car park, especially an unusually cheap one, that cannot demonstrate accreditation, as it may be cutting corners on the security measures that protect your vehicle.

What else should I look for beyond Park Mark?

Park Mark is the baseline, but you can look further. Read the listing's specific features, such as the number of CCTV cameras, whether the site is staffed around the clock, and the type of fencing. Check genuine customer reviews for real experiences. For Meet & Greet, confirm insurance and a documented condition check at handover. Together with Park Mark, these give a full picture of how well your car will be protected.