THE all-out drive to achieve maximum security at Worcester's 16 municipal car parks has taken a leap forward after two received Park Mark Safer Parking awards.

The King Street and Pitchcroft/Moors car parks won the awards, which were set up by the Association of Chief Police Officers and backed by the Home Office in its drive to reduce crime and the fear of crime within public parking facilities.

Additional lighting, improved all-round visibility, one-way traffic circulation, up-rated signage, increased visibility, more patrols, and CCTV surveillance are all part of the range of new security measures included in the recently completed face-lift schemes.

"An important element of the city council's Best Value Improvement Plan for car parking sets out to achieve Secure Car Park status for all of our parking sites," said city councillor Derek Prodger, who is the portfolio holder for keeping Worcester "clean, green and safe".

Tallow Hill, St Martin's Gate and the Cattle Market car parks are also recognised as secure car parks alongside the Worcester North Park and Ride scheme.