<h3>What is Park Mark and Why Does it Matter?</h3><p>The Park Mark is a national accreditation for car parks that have been vetted and approved by the police. It is the gold standard for security in the parking industry. When you choose a Park Mark car park, you are choosing a site that has met strict standards designed to keep your vehicle safe.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Security FeatureStandard Requirement CCTV </strong>Comprehensive 24/7 coverage of all vehicle entry/exit points and parking areas.<strong>Fencing</strong>Security fencing and controlled entry/exit barriers.<strong>Lighting</strong>Adequate and well-maintained lighting for customer and vehicle safety.<strong>Maintenance</strong>Regular site maintenance and management presence.</p><p><br></p><h3>The Risk of Non-Park Mark Operators</h3><p>Many of the widely reported horror stories—cars being moved multiple times, keys going missing, and inadequate insurance—are linked to cheap, unaccredited Meet & Greet or off-site operators who are not registered with the police. Booking through a comparison site that doesn’t clearly list the Park Mark status can expose you to this risk.</p><p>H2: Your Security Checklist: 3 Steps to Booking Safely</p><p>To ensure absolute peace of mind, follow this essential booking sequence:</p><ol><li><strong>Look for the Logo:</strong> When viewing options on a comparison site, check for the official Park Mark logo or filter specifically for accredited sites.</li><li><strong>Verify the Location:</strong> Check the car park’s address on a map. For Meet & Greet, ask the provider for the storage location <em>before</em> you book. A reputable operator will be transparent about their secure site.</li><li><strong>Check Reviews for Security Terms:</strong> Look at recent, independent reviews (Trustpilot/Google) and search within them for terms like “security,” “damage,” or “keys” to gauge current performance, even for an accredited site.</li></ol><p><br></p><h3>Security vs. Cost: Finding the Safe Balance</h3><p>While secure parking might cost marginally more than the cheapest non-accredited option, the difference is negligible when weighed against the risk of theft or damage. Remember:</p><p><em>A secure car park is a long-term investment in your vehicle’s safety, not just a temporary drop-off point.</em></p><p>Reputable providers offering Park Mark accreditation still participate in competitive pricing, especially for <strong>Park and Ride</strong> services, allowing you to secure both value and security.</p><p><br></p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Never compromise your vehicle’s safety to save a few pounds. The Park Mark accreditation is the single most important factor when choosing UK airport parking. Use our comparison tool today to filter all options by Park Mark and book a secure space instantly.</p>