In an effort to highlight the growing problem of car parking accidents, Aviva car insurance has named and shamed the 10 worst car parks voted by Britain’s motoring public. Why has Aviva taken the trouble to do this? Quite simply, this popular car insurance company handles more than 25,000 claims each year which are related to car parks with an average claims cost of £1,400. As a consequence, Aviva has a vested interested in trying to improve the worst offending car parks in respect of poor design and security.
The worst place in the UK to park has Brighton in East Sussex topping the list where the NCP Churchill car park is notorious for its narrow bays and posts preventing car doors being opened. The Waitrose car park in Harrogate in Yorkshire is also guilty of having unusually tight spaces, meaning passenger doors are unable to be opened properly. Airports and hospital car parks are also in the firing line with Gatwick Airport short stay and Sunderland Royal Hospital amongst the nominees.
Apart from car dents and damage to paintwork, the biggest fear expressed by those who took part in the poll was mindless vandalism – for instance, one motorist confirmed that no wheels were left after returning to his car. This proves that besides being an environment where any level of accidental damage can be expected by simply leaving a car parked and unattended, a widespread lack of security raises the opportunity for more serious car crime.
It remains to be seen whether those companies or government authorities responsible for the worst car parks in Britain take heed of these findings and take action to improve the car parks identified. Unfortunately for those regularly using those car parking facilities, if improvements are made it is inevitable the cost will be passed onto the consumer!
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