Alexander Armstrong to host British Parking Awards 2012

Over 80 entries compete for the top prizes

Alexander Armstrong

Alexander Armstrong

Comedian Alexander Armstrong will reveal the winners of the British Parking Awards, sponsored by Equita, in London on Friday 9 March. Over 80 entries have been received for the 2012 competition, organised by Parking Review magazine. The annual awards recognise excellence and innovating in the management and design of both on-street and off-street parking operations. Launched in 2002 by Mark Moran, managing editor of Parking Review, the awards are supported by the British Parking Association.

This year two new categories have been added – Digital Parking, which recognises the growth in online applications, and Parking Partnerships, which recognises the way in which organisations in the public and private sectors work together to deliver efficient and imaginative new services.

The competition spans the built environment, with awards for the best new and refurbished car park, and operational activities with awards for customer service and teams. The importance of teamwork is at the heart of the new Parking Partnerships award, while the Parking Person and Young Parking Professional highlight the achievements of outstanding individuals in the sector.

Imaginative solutions to parking problems are recognised in the Innovation category, with the new Digital Parking award putting the increasingly important online world in the spotlight.

The Parking in the Community and the Environment awards recognise the socially responsible aspects of parking.

Paul Sharpe, sales & marketing director for Equita, says: “Equita is delighted that the host of the British Parking Awards 2012 is Alexander Armstrong. He is famous for his appearances on panel shows like Have I Got News for You, his popular pairing with Ben Miller in The Miller and Armstrong Show and his own hit quiz show Pointless. I am sure that Alexander will be the perfect host for the awards and ensure that all who attend will have a day to remember.

“With the introduction of two new categories this year, we are delighted that local authorities and partners alike continue to submit entries for this firmly established and prestigious event. We look forward to announcing the shortlist very soon.”

The entries are currently being assessed by a panel of judges drawn from across the public and private sector sides of the parking industry. The short list will be published in mid-February.

The British Parking Awards are presented at a gala lunch, held at the InterContinental on London’s Park Lane on 9 March. Seats and tables can be booked via the official website: www.britishparkingawards.co.uk