THE hunt is on for the most and least parking friendly car parks in Swindon.

Coming across countless vehicles that have been damaged in car parks a local vehicle paint specialist has decided to shine a light on car parks that don’t scrape up.

Stuart Brierley, the owner of Revive! Swindon, had the idea for the awards following a marked increase in the number of customer cars with car park related damage he has been asked to repair.

AA research shows that more 50 per cent of motorists on the road are driving around with some form of minor bodywork damage to either wheels or paintwork, a lot of which is caused by trying to squeeze into tight parking bays, navigate tight spirals or being damaged by inconsiderate other drivers parking too close.

Stuart said: “Car park damage is one of the most common causes of the scuffs and scrapes I see.

“I thought it would be a good idea to have a closer look at parking facilities within the area. There’s awards for car park security and safety but none for the parking experience itself. We want to recognise those car parks that have got it right and highlight ones that could do better.”

Damage to doors tops the league of car park damage at 50 per cent, followed by bumpers at 14 per cent and wings at 13 per cent. Revive! has also noticed a rise in the number of alloy wheels being repaired as a result of scraping posts or kerbs.

Stuart said: “Whilst some car parks are purpose built, many have been converted from other buildings or set up on waste land. Older car parks were designed in the days when cars were much smaller, and todays cars struggle to fit within the narrow bays.

“Tight angles, low perimeter walls and concrete pillars all make parking difficult for drivers and a significant amount of paintwork damage is caused by other motorists opening doors out onto adjacent vehicles and trying to squeeze through to get out.”

He is now urging drivers in the town to come forward and nominate their favourite and worst car parks in the town. Judging will take place during June, and the winners from each town will be put forward to regional finals. The top three best and worst car parks in the country will be named in September.

To nominate a car park for the best or worst award visit revive-uk.com/carparkawards or email carparkawards@revive-uk.com with the name of the car park, its address, and the reason which compelled you to nominate.