Is your parking lot in need of some primping? By making a few improvements, you could make your parking lot appealing and more practical. Below are a few signs that it’s time to give your parking lot a makeover.
The Markings have Faded
Car park markings need to be clear so that drivers can easily read them. Such markings may include bay markings, directional arrows or crossing markings. If these have started to fade, consider getting them repainted. Similarly, make sure that damaged signs are replaced or restored. This could be a good time to consider new types of marking or signs.
There are Potholes
If the surface of your parking lot is damaged, then a makeover could also be necessary. Cracks and potholes can not only make your parking lot less welcoming, but they can potentially cause damage to vehicles if they get too deep. Asphalt paving can fortunately be filled in easily. Concrete cracks may be possible to easily fill too, but excessive damage may require replacing entire slabs.
There’s Congestion
Congestion could be a sign that your parking lot is poorly laid out. While maximizing spaces can allow more people to park in your parking lot, you need to also consider vehicle maneuverability. Make sure that the lanes between spaces aren’t too narrow and try to prioritize flow. A one way circuit around your parking lot could encourage vehicles to move in a certain direction. If there’s only one entrance/exit, consider whether a second entrance/exit could also prevent congestion. A parking lot design company may be able to help you create a more practical layout that reduces queues and bottlenecks.
Security is Poor
When people park in your lot, they should feel confident that their vehicle is secure. Adding features like security cameras and lighting could help to prevent vandalism or theft. When it comes to private parking lots, limiting access into your parking lot could be important too in order to prevent unauthorized people parking there. You could consider installing a barrier that requires drivers to scan a keycard or use an intercom to enter. Alternatively, you could look into ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) access.
Your Parking Lot isn’t Green
Environmentalism needs to be a consideration in modern parking lot design. Large parking lots that contain nothing but asphalt or concrete do nothing to nurture local wildlife. Adding trees, hedges or strips of grass around your parking lot can help to provide a home for local insects and birds, while also combatting local air pollution and making your parking lot more friendly and welcoming. You may also want to consider adding special bays for electric vehicles and carpooling workers. Electric vehicles are becoming more commonplace and are helping to greatly reduce emissions – installing bays with EV charging stations can help to support and encourage use of EVs. Carpooling bays can meanwhile encourage workers to share a ride instead of each taking their own vehicle. This can reduce emissions and free up parking bays.
