Designing a parking lot is not as simple as people think. If your parking lot is badly designed it can lead to an increased risk of accidents, congestion and even vandalism. Your parking lot also needs to be inclusive. If it isn’t, you’ll get complaints or certain people simply won’t park there.
All in all, it’s worth working with a professional parking lot designer to get the best results. It could also be worth trying to incorporate some of these features…
Accessible Parking Bays
Accessible parking bays are specially designated spaces that are reserved for people with disabilities. They are typically placed in a location that reduces walking (i.e. right near a store’s entrance). They are also a little wider than traditional bays in order to make room for wheelchairs. If you own a store or restaurant that is frequented by a lot of older customers, it could be worth designating a few of these spaces in your parking lot. Ideally, all parking lots should have at least one accessible bay.
Security Cameras
Security cameras can help to capture video evidence of crimes like vandalism, car theft or hit and run accidents. Of course, just having cameras in a parking lot can often deter this type of crime. It may also make customers feel safer leaving their vehicle there. Cameras can also be used for other uses in parking lots such as number plate recognition for accessing private parking lots.
Security Lighting
Lighting can also help to deter crime. Many people will feel more confident parking their vehicle in a parking lot overnight if it is illuminated, because criminals are less likely to commit crimes there in fear of being seen. It’s important to make sure that the whole parking lot is lit up at night. Combined with security cameras, it’s a great way to make your parking lot feel more safe.
EV Charging Stations
A growing number of consumers are buying electric vehicles. Installing EV charging points in your parking lot can encourage electric vehicle owners to park there. A commercial electrician can install these EV charging points for you. You should consider how fast the charging points will be and whether you will charge parking lot users to use these charging points.
Bicycle Racks
More people are also taking up cycling. Providing a place for people to park their bicycles could be good for business if you’re creating a parking lot for your store or restaurant, or it could encourage employees to cycle to work if you’re designing a workplace parking lot. Consider whether to opt for basic racks or sheltered racks.
Conclusion
All these features will help to make your parking lot a happier and more welcoming place where people actually want to park. This could help you to generate more business if it’s paid parking lot or if it’s a parking lot for your store. In the case of a workplace parking lot, adding these features might help improve employee morale by reducing parking stress.
