Car parks, whether open-air, underground, or enclosed, are vital components of urban infrastructure. However, they present unique fire safety and security challenges that need addressing to protect both the vehicles and the people who use these facilities. We explore the risks, historical cases, and the measures that companies like us are implementing to enhance safety and security in car parks for users’ peace of mind.

Fire Risks

Car parks are susceptible to various fire hazards. Vehicles contain flammable materials such as fuel, oils, and plastic components, which can ignite under certain conditions. Electrical faults in vehicles can also cause a fire. Add to this risk even further, by the car park being underground. The reduced ventilation can exacerbate the spread of fire and smoke to reaching inferno heights.

Electric vehicles (EVs) introduce additional fire safety considerations. While EVs are generally safe, the lithium-ion batteries they use can pose fire risks, especially if damaged. These batteries can catch fire and are difficult to extinguish, requiring specialised fire suppression systems. Furthermore, the charging stations themselves need to be properly maintained and monitored to prevent electrical fires.

One of the most notable fire incidents occurred in the Liverpool Echo Arena car park in December 2017. A vehicle fire rapidly spread, destroying around 1,400 cars and causing extensive structural damage to the building. The incident highlighted the need for better fire detection and suppression systems in car parks. Another example more recently was the devastating fire in Luton airport car park, which resulted in the destruction of 1500 cars, the demolition of the car park due to structural damages and a huge insurance bill were just some of the consequences.

Security Risks

Car parks are often targets for criminal activities such as vehicle theft, vandalism, and break-ins. Poor lighting, insufficient surveillance, and inadequate access controls can make these spaces attractive to criminals. Vehicle theft is ripe in poorly lit areas, or areas with bling spots making it easy for thieves to avoid detection. Vandalism, such as graffiti and intentional damage to vehicles, is also more likely in dimly lit or unsupervised locations. Break-ins, where valuable items are stolen from vehicles, are another common crime in car parks with lax security measures.

In 2019, the British Parking Association reported that vehicle-related crimes in car parks accounted for a significant portion of total vehicle crimes, emphasising the need for robust security measures.

• Poor Lighting: Dark and poorly lit areas provide cover for criminals, making it easier for them to commit crimes without being seen. Adequate lighting is essential to deter criminal activities and improve visibility for surveillance cameras and security personnel, as well as those leaving their vehicles there, to feel personally safe and secure.
• Insufficient Surveillance: Lack of surveillance cameras or outdated systems can leave blind spots where criminals can operate unnoticed. Modern, high-definition cameras with night vision and motion detection capabilities can significantly enhance security and act as a deterrent for any would be criminal behaviour.
• Inadequate Access Control: Without proper access control measures, such as barriers, gates, and entry/exit monitoring, unauthorised individuals can easily enter and exit the car park. Automated license plate recognition and card readers can help in tracking and controlling access and will support police in any enquiries should an incident occur leading to a stronger chance of prosecution.

Open-Air Car Parks

Open-air car parks benefit from natural ventilation, reducing the risk of smoke inhalation and aiding in fire suppression. However, they are more exposed to weather conditions, which can affect the chances of fire, for instance the overheating of car batteries during a hot spell, or the reliability of certain security measures such as some surveillance cameras in extreme weather.

• Surveillance Cameras: Open-air car parks require cameras that can withstand extreme weather conditions. The Axis P1375-E Network Camera is a robust option designed for outdoor environments. It features a weather-resistant casing, HDTV 1080p resolution, and advanced video analytics to maintain performance in various conditions.
• Fire Detection Systems: Bosch FAP-425 Series: This system includes high-sensitivity smoke detectors and heat detectors, designed to quickly identify the onset of a fire. These detectors are robust and can function effectively in open-air environments where weather conditions might vary.
• Fire Suppression Systems: Stat-X Aerosol Fire Suppression: This system is effective in open-air environments and provides a rapid response to fire incidents. It releases a fine aerosol that interrupts the chemical reaction of a fire, effectively suppressing it.
• Emergency Ventilation Systems: Nuaire Smoke Ventilation Systems: These systems are designed to control smoke and heat in open-air car parks. They provide effective ventilation to ensure that smoke does not accumulate, making it easier for emergency services to manage any fire incidents.
• Fire Extinguishers and Sprinkler Systems: Pyrozone Fire Extinguishers: Specifically designed for car parks, these extinguishers contain foam that can effectively combat fires involving flammable liquids, which are common in vehicle fires.

• Tyco Rapid Response Sprinkler Systems: These sprinklers can be strategically placed throughout open-air car parks to provide immediate water suppression, helping to control and extinguish fires before they spread.

Enclosed and Underground Car Parks

These car parks require advanced fire detection and ventilation systems to manage smoke and heat. Security measures need to be more robust due to limited visibility and multiple entry/exit points.

• Advanced Fire Detection Systems: These include high-sensitivity smoke detectors and heat detectors that can quickly identify the onset of a fire. Examples include the Bosch FAP-425 Series which provides advanced detection capabilities and can be integrated into larger building management systems for comprehensive fire monitoring.
• Ventilation Systems: Effective ventilation is crucial to prevent the buildup of smoke and heat. This can include mechanical ventilation systems like the Swegon Gold RX which offers high-efficiency air handling and can be customised for large spaces like car parks.
• Surveillance Cameras: Enclosed and underground car parks benefit from high-definition surveillance cameras with night vision and wide dynamic range (WDR) capabilities to handle varying light conditions. The Hikvision DS-2CD2385G1-I is an example of a robust camera suited for these environments, featuring 4K resolution, night vision, and vandal-proof housing.
• Access Control Systems: Robust access control is essential to prevent unauthorised entry. Systems like the Paxton Net2 Entry provide comprehensive access management, including door entry systems that can be integrated with surveillance cameras and other security measures.

Fire Safety Challenges

• Detection and Suppression: Implementing effective fire detection and suppression systems in large car parks can be complex and costly.
• Evacuation: Ensuring safe and efficient evacuation routes is critical, particularly in underground or multi-story car parks.

Security Challenges

• Surveillance: Continuous monitoring of large areas can be challenging without advanced surveillance technology.
• Access Control: Managing and controlling access points to prevent unauthorised entry requires sophisticated systems and protocols.

Advanced Fire Detection and Suppression

According to the Fire Industry Association, the implementation of advanced fire detection systems can reduce fire-related damages by up to 50%.

Scutum Group UK employs state-of-the-art fire detection systems, including heat and smoke detectors specifically designed for the unique environment of car parks, across manufacturers, so the systems we install are right for your needs and bespoke to you. These systems can quickly identify fire hazards and activate suppression systems to control fires before they spread.

Enhanced Security Measures

Studies by the Urban Institute have shown that well-implemented surveillance systems can reduce crime rates in car parks by up to 30%.

We utilise cutting-edge surveillance technology, including high-definition cameras with night vision and motion detection capabilities. These cameras are integrated with advanced software that can analyse footage in real-time and alert security personnel to any suspicious activity.

Integrated Access Control

By implementing robust access control systems, we ensure that only authorised individuals can enter car parks. This includes the use of barriers, card readers, and automated license plate recognition systems.

Public awareness and demand for advanced safety and security measures are crucial in ensuring that car park operators invest in these technologies. When leaving vehicles in paid parking premises, the public should expect and demand comprehensive protection methods to know they and their vehicle is safe when on the premises.

Fire safety and security in car parks remain critical issues that require comprehensive strategies and advanced technologies especially as vehicles are evolving and becoming more complex. We are at the forefront of implementing these solutions, not just across the UK but across the globe, significantly enhancing the protection of vehicles and individuals. The public are expecting these basic protection methods as standard practice when using paid parking premises, especially with such public incidents like those previously mentioned in this article. To ensure peace of mind about personal safety as well as the safety of their assets should be at the forefront of any car park operators’ agenda.

If you are unsure if your car park could be safer, why not drop us a call on 0330 20 20 111, or an email at info@scutum-group.co.uk

1. Johnson Controls. (2020). Outdoor Surveillance Camera Performance and Reliability. Retrieved from Johnson Controls
2. Fire Industry Association. (2020). Fire Safety in Car Parks. Retrieved from FIA Website
3. British Parking Association. (2019). Vehicle Crime Statistics. Retrieved from BPA Website
4. Urban Institute. (2018). The Impact of Surveillance on Crime Rates. Retrieved from Urban Institute Website
5. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-67077996
6. https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/gatwick-airport-fire-dramatic-video-26808164