AN inspection of council car parks in Stockton town centre found that 16 out of 17 qualified for the award of Secure Car Park status.
The scheme, run by the British Parking Association, is designed to increase security in car parks and reduce car-related crime.
To earn the status, each car park must be sufficiently covered by surveillance, well-lit and patrolled by security staff.
Nigel Gibb, Stockton Borough Council's car park manager, said: "Secure status for these car parks is great news.
"It means that residents and visitors can park in Stockton safe in the knowledge their cars are protected."
However, the council wants to continue improvements as officers will meet with local landowners to reach a solution that could see a 17th car park also achieve the secure car park status.
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