Providing a safe and efficient setting for your visitors.

3.6 min read

Several things make up a safe and efficient parking facility—signage being one of them. Property managers and owners need to meet the basic requirements of a parking facility. Why? To ensure they're able to manage and maintain their parking operations easily and provide a safe setting for their visitors.  

Signage is a powerful tool that will help mitigate potential risks, all while helping to create a seamless customer journey. To guide vehicles and pedestrians safely to their destinations, your parking signage should meet these five requirements.

1.     Key facility information such as parking rates, hours of operations, customer responsibilities, and regulations is displayed

Standard regulations require all signage to be placed in a conspicuous location at the parking lot entry, exit and all payment points. Your parking lot signs should include the rates or charges for parking motor vehicles, hours of operation and the licensee's name and address. All lettering and figures should be of uniform size that does not exceed 3 inches in height.

2.     There are clearly identified pay stations throughout the parking lot

All pay stations should be identified throughout the facility to ensure your customers have the necessary information to pay for their parking duration. This will help mitigate potential payment offences, as well as maintain a streamlined operation. Having multiple pay stations located throughout your facility will create a seamless experience for your visitors.

3.     There are clearly marked parking lot stalls (i.e. accessible, visitors, and client-designated stalls) 

As a parking operator, you will see various types of customers enter your facility. That is why it is vital to provide an easy and safe experience for all. Marking your parking facility stalls will efficiently direct your customers, all while maintaining traffic flow. Depending on your facility, you may want to mark accessible, visitor and client-designated stalls. 

4.     Height restrictions and all other prohibitions visible at the point of entry, exit, and wherever necessary are displayed around the facility

Height restrictions are a common occurrence at many parking facilities. However, these restrictions may not always be indicated, leading to challenges such as congestion upon entry. To prevent this, it is vital to notify all potential customers of the height restrictions and all other prohibitions visible at the point of entry, exit, and wherever necessary around the facility.

5.     Wayfinding signage strategically placed around the facility to help guide customers to their destinations.

We all know the feeling of being in a parking facility and not finding the route to where you need to go. Installing visible and directional signage in appropriate locations is critical for easy navigation and seamless traffic flow throughout your parking facility. Work with your parking management service provider to determine smart options that make your facility easy to navigate.

Wayfinding, safety and instructional signage are an integral component for successful parking programs. As one of the first steps to launching an effective parking operation, the quality of your sign strategy will set the foundation for a safe and seamless parking operation.

References

Tse, B. (2021, May 10). 101: Basic requirements for canadian parking facilities. Parking Industry. Retrieved November 3, 2021, from .

Tse, B. (2021, May 10). Wayfinding and Navigation Solutions for your Parking Lot. Parking Industry. Retrieved October 28, 2021, from .