Optimizing a Parking Lot: Improving Traffic Flow, Crowd Control, and Safety
When it comes to optimizing a parking lot, the goal is to ensure that the space is efficient, safe, and easy to navigate. Properly designed and maintained parking lots enhance customer experiences, improve traffic flow, protect pedestrians and can even help to reduce accidents. In the next few paragraphs, we'll explore the importance of optimizing a parking lot for proper flow, crowd control, and traffic safety.
Purpose of the Parking Lot
Before designing a parking lot, it's important to understand its purpose. The size of the lot, pavement thickness, and parking space angle will depend on the intended use of the space. For example, a retail store may require a larger parking lot with wider spaces and more accessible parking for individuals with disabilities. On the other hand, a small office building may require fewer spaces, but with more efficient traffic flow. It is also important to consider the angle in which parking spots are aligned in regards to driving isles. This will depend largely on the purpose of the lot. Angles ranging from 45 to 60 degrees are ideal for lots with a high turnover, like at a pharmacy or convenience store. On the other hand, 90 degree angles are more difficult to park in but may be better suited for longer term or overnight parking. Designating employee parking may be beneficial to allow access of more convenient parking for patrons and customers. Using parking lot signs can be a simple way of clearly signaling assigned parking spots.
Sizing and Spacing
Figuring out the number of required spaces is the first step in sizing and spacing. This is determined by the type of facility, the anticipated number of vehicles and their size. It is critical to research the amount of parking spaces required by law for your specific industry or the enforced building code requirements. Though retail locations usually expect a high volume of average sized vehicles, it is important to factor in the space required for delivery and commercial trucks that will need to come in and unload or pick up merchandise. Other considerations include accessibility requirements, such as the number of handicap spaces required by law, along with the necessary ramps and walkways. Planning ahead and figuring out the necessary required space will allow for determining if the parking spots need to be the standard size or if they can be more spacious. When lots are bigger than the required size, many businesses use sectors of parking lots for events, storage or merchandise display. These extra spaces can be set aside and marked with surface mounted delineators, removable delineators or cone bars to make sure no one parks in these reserved areas.
Creating a Flow
Once the number of required spaces has been determined, the layout and design guidelines of the parking lot should be considered. Space efficiency is key in creating an optimal parking lot, and it's important to utilize the space as efficiently as possible. Parking Lot signage, painted asphalt markings, and parking blocks can help to improve traffic flow and create clearly defined driving lanes.
Designing for Safety and Parking Lot Security
Safety and security should always be a top priority when designing a parking lot. Drainage provisions are necessary to prevent water buildup and reduce the risk of accidents. Access ramps should be included to ensure accessibility for all. Lighting design is also important for safety, and adequate lighting should be provided to prevent accidents and deter crime. For entryways that may be dangerous or inconvenient, water-filled barriers can be used to temporarily block traffic, traffic cones can also be used if they need to be moved for limited access.
Creating clear paths for pedestrians is important, especially if the business may have times of increased foot traffic. Venues that host events usually have an influx of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular at peak times. Making sure that pedestrians stay away from moving cars and that these cars respect the right of way is essential for safety. Having clear walkways or pedestrian crossing areas is necessary to ensure the safety of customers and the efficiency of traffic flow. To make sure cars respect the right of way, pedestrian crossway caution signs should be used and set on the road making sure they are conspicuous and clearly visible.
Going the Extra Mile
A properly designed parking lot can improve the customer experience and even promote trust in the business. There are many ways to improve the aesthetics of a parking lot and the return on investment can be very beneficial. Landscaping design and entryscaping design can help to create an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment. Customers who have a positive experience are very likely to come back and even recommend the business to friends and family. Entryscaping is a proven strategy for businesses looking to create an attractive and welcoming first impression that is sure to boost customer satisfaction.
For controlled-entry and limited-access, electronic barrier lift gates can be used to control entry to the parking lot with access cards or digital codes. A manual version that may be useful includes using equipment like the Multigate or traffic cones with chain connector kits that can be easily removed by a single security guard once access has been granted. To improve customer safety, emergency call stations should be provided in case of emergency. These systems connect customers with emergency services and may sound loud alarms along with flashing blue lights to deter criminals and help authorities easily find the person in need.
Traffic Safety Equipment
In addition to the design features listed above, it's important to consider the use of traffic safety equipment to further enhance the safety of the parking lot. Traffic cones, delineators, parking lot signs, speed bumps, message boards, and high visibility roll-up signs can all be used to improve visibility, provide clear instructions, block access and prevent accidents.
In conclusion, optimizing a parking lot is essential for improving traffic flow, crowd control, and safety. By considering the purpose of the parking lot, sizing and spacing requirements, designing for safety and security, and going the extra mile, businesses and organizations can create a space that is efficient, inviting, and safe for all users. The use of traffic safety equipment, such as traffic cones and speed bumps, can further enhance the safety of the parking lot and reduce vehicle speeds in order to decrease the risk of accidents.
For all your parking lot safety equipment needs, Traffic Cones For Less is always available online and our product experts are always happy to help answer all your questions. Don’t let traffic safety be an after-thought, safety should always be a priority and our team is here to help you be prepared.