New agreement ensures national parks are safe and beautiful
England’s National Parks stand to benefit from improved emergency service communications in ways that respect their very sensitive environment, following a landmark agreement between National Parks England and the Home Office.
The Joint Accord was brokered between National Parks England and the Home Office and aims to:
- Support the roll-out of the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme in National Parks so that users, visitors and residents can benefit from enhanced responsiveness by the blue-light services;
- Protect the special qualities of the National Parks by minimising any adverse environmental impacts; and
- to support close working between the Home Office and its contractors and National Park Authorities to achieve these aims.
With English National Parks covering almost 10% of the country, the new agreement is an important step forward in making sure our rural communities have responsive emergency services.
Jim Bailey, Chair of National Parks England and the North York Moors National Park Authority said: “National Parks have always been about finding pragmatic long term solutions to the many competing demands on land. Ensuring modern telecommunications infrastructure is no different.
"The stunning landscapes and towns are the lifeblood for our rural economies. And we are delighted that the Home Office is committed to working with National Parks to protect them. This is a welcome sign that we hope will be replicated by other Government departments.”
Mike Penning, Minister for Policing, Fire and Criminal Justice and Victims, said: “I am pleased to have signed this Joint Accord with National Parks England which will help deliver the emergency services’ new communications network.
"This new critical national infrastructure will be sympathetic to the character of national parks in England. It will enable the three emergency services to operate enhanced services inside national parks using modern 4G voice and fast data service communications.”
