THE car park at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is one of the safest in the country, according to a report.The Norfolk and Norwich Foundation trust has once again received the Park Mark Safer Parking Award in a Home Office-approved scheme which examines the management of car parks along with lighting, CCTV coverage, signage, road markings, barriers and manual patrols - compiled by the Association of Chief Police officers and the British Parking Association.

THE car park at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is one of the safest in the country, according to a report.

The Norfolk and Norwich Foundation trust has once again received the Park Mark Safer Parking Award in a Home Office-approved scheme which examines the management of car parks along with lighting, CCTV coverage, signage, road markings, barriers and manual patrols - compiled by the Association of Chief Police officers and the British Parking Association.

The award takes into account public and staff safety, together with a low crime rate.

Over the past 12 months at the hospital only three incidents were reported - two of criminal damage and the third involving the theft of a moped. All three were detected on CCTV and the offenders were detained, thanks to the vigilance of Serco's security personnel.

Hospital head of security Bill Dye said: “With throughput in the region of two million vehicles per year, this is a record to be proud of. It shows the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime on our hospital site equates to 666,000 to one, making our hospital car park one of the safest - if not the safest - car park in the country.

“The Trust places a great emphasis on the safety and security of staff, patients and visitors so we are delighted to receive this award for the sixth year running. This is a well-deserved tribute to the hard work and vigilance of our Serco security team.”

Mike Bibby, development manager for the British Parking Association, added: “The low crime rate at NNUH goes to prove the worth of a CCTV system, but more importantly the excellent work being carried out by Serco security personnel to provide a safe and unthreatening environment for staff, patients and visitors.”