Scunthorpe’s multi-storey car park will receive a high-security upgrade thanks to a £250,000 cash boost.
The major new crackdown will improve safety at The Parishes car park, bringing peace of mind to shoppers and cinema-goers, and making visits to Scunthorpe town centre more convenient.
The investment will see the installation of new security barriers, cameras, and door readers – with entry and exit controlled by inputting vehicle registration and number plate recognition.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities (urban), said: “This security upgrade to one of our busiest car parks is brilliant for Scunthorpe and will be welcome news for motorists.
“Millions of pounds is being invested to create a new future for Scunthorpe town centre. We are already seeing hundreds of families enjoying the fun-packed events programme at the Queen Elizabeth Gardens, rediscovering everything the town has to offer in the process.
“At the same time, it is important we continue to invest in Scunthorpe’s facilities. The Parishes car park is the first stop for many visitors and we want to ensure it is a welcoming environment. That’s why this investment is so important.”
Crowds meet Zelva, the giant animatronic tortoise in Queen Elizabeth Gardens
As well as the security upgrade, new touch screen payment machines will be fitted, enabling visitors to pay in the way they find convenient – whether by coins, cash, cards, or Apple and android pay.
The new technology is the latest addition to the council’s flagship two hour free car parking policy – which also sees all day free parking on Saturdays and Sundays in all the more than 2,000 spaces available in Scunthorpe.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “It is important to keep our public assets safe for everyone to use.
“The Parishes car park in Scunthorpe has been subjected to incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage so this improvement to the security of the site will be of great benefit.
“I have provided £40,000 funding for the installation of number plate recognition access and shutters which I hope will lead to a reduction in reported incidents and a safer environment for all.”
Chief Superintendent Darren Wildbore, added: “One of the key objectives of the Community Safety Partnership is to ensure that North Lincolnshire is a safe place for everyone who lives, works in, or visits our area.
“This was at the forefront of our thinking when we made the bid to redevelop the multi-storey car park and we are grateful that it has been supported. The redevelopment will not only make the car park a safer environment but also assist in the prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour.”
The £250,000 is being joint funded by the council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and from the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund.
The security upgrade is being promoted by the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
Disabled parking bays will be available inside the multi-storey, with additional bays being added through the duration of the works. These are just part of the more than 100 available in town centre car parks.
Blue Badge holders can park for free all day in any council car park not just the allocated disabled bays.
Details about all car parks, locations, free parking and the number of disabled bays across North Lincolnshire are available on our website.
Pictured from left to right are: Tracey Coyne, Community Safety Partnership Board Manager, Jonathan Evison, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, Holly Mumby-Croft, Scunthorpe MP, and Cllr John Davison, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities (Urban), at the entrance to the Parishes car park
