UKAS slip testing for
car parks.

Why car parks commission UKAS accredited slip testing

Car park operators carry public-occupier liability for pedestrian users. Multi-storey decks in particular have specific slip issues — concrete with oil drip contamination, painted bay markings that polish under traffic, ramps that see water running off vehicles. UKAS accredited testing documents the risk position.

Specific issues we see in car parks

• Painted bay markings. Bay paint polishes under constant tyre friction. Many bay markings test below compliance after 3-5 years.
• Ramps between decks. Angled wet surfaces — ramps see water running off vehicles and are gradient-exposed. Specific testing protocol applies for ramps.
• Oil-drip contamination. Concrete decks with years of vehicle fluid contamination — oil, coolant, fuel drips. Testing with representative contamination is informative.
• Stair cores and lift lobbies. The pedestrian-only zones linking deck to street level. Usually high-incident and often overlooked in car park safety audits.

Which standards apply

BS EN 16165 Annex C pendulum testing. For ramps, the 17.5-degree-inclined test protocol. Contamination testing includes water as standard and oil-based contamination where the surface condition suggests it.

What you get

• UKAS accredited pendulum test report (Lab 7933)
• PTV results for every test location, dry and wet
• Interpretation against BS EN 16165 and UKSRG benchmarks
• Photographic record of test locations
• Measurement uncertainty statements (required for admissibility)
• 5 working day turnaround from site visit to report

Common questions

Do we need to close the car park?

No. Testing is done in spare bays or during quiet periods. Full closure not required.

What about the council-operated car park we manage?

The responsibility split depends on the contract. UKAS testing gives both parties the same evidential basis for resolving any liability question.

Should we re-test after resurfacing?

Yes. Pre-commissioning acceptance testing after any deck waterproofing or resurfacing is prudent.

How often is routine re-testing advised?

3-5 years for painted markings, 5-7 years for unpainted decks, more frequently for sites with a known incident history.