If you’re the manager of a car park looking to manage the facility more efficiently, it’s essential to make it as user friendly as possible. As well as creating a better experience for visitors, parking facility optimisation will reduce the risk of costly issues.
Unclear signage, inefficient entry and exit systems, and narrow spaces are just a few common culprits that can cause unsatisfactory experiences for a car user, potentially deterring them from using your facility in the future.
So, how can you make your car park efficient? Parking efficiency is integral if you want to generate profit through your car park, acquire repeat business, and increase car park revenue.
Let’s take a closer look at parking facility optimisation techniques and how they can benefit your facility. Remember, an efficient and user-friendly car park is a successful one.
Table of Contents
- 1. Reassess the layout of your car park
- 2. Install ANPR cameras where possible
- 3. Prioritise the safety of your customers
- 4. Introduce automated payment systems
- 5. Implement measures to keep congestion to a minimum
- Explore your options and increase your car park’s efficiency with Parking Patrol
1. Reassess the layout of your car park
Start by analysing who uses your car park and when. Is your facility popular for commuters, shoppers, long stay, or short stay visitors? Get as specific as possible to narrow down your target user and fully understand their parking needs.
With this information, as well as estimated peak usage times, you’ll be able to evaluate whether your current car park layout supports the car users who use your facilities the most. It may be worth removing a few poorly placed spaces if it means improving flow and reducing car user frustrations.
It’s important to note that the best car parks are those that drivers find easy to navigate and simple to use. These facilities are the ones customers will return to again and again.
2. Install ANPR cameras where possible
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR parking systems) are integral for efficient car park management and reducing the risk of unauthorised parking in your facility.
These systems work by tracking each vehicle’s number plate, entrance, and exit time. With this data, Parking Charge Notices can be automatically issued to vehicles overstaying their welcome or parking without paying. They can also:
- Eliminate the need for barriers (which can cause cues at rush hours)
- Automate access and exit points
- Reduce the need for on site staff
- Reduce confrontations
- Monitor overstays and non payments reliably
- Improve security
It’s a non-confrontational, cost effective, and reliable form of car park management that is well worth investing in for efficient operations.
3. Prioritise the safety of your customers
When car users look for a car park, they’ll have one key thing in mind – safety. They want to know that their vehicle and passengers will be safe in your facility.
So, start with the basics. Keep your road and paving surfaces maintained, see to potholes quickly, and ensure your facility’s lighting is efficient, consistent, and reliable for visibility.
When you’ve tended to the most important factors, you can then move on to:
- Installing clear car park signage with information regarding speed limits and zones
- Applying anti-skid surfacing in high traffic areas
- Implementing dedicated pedestrian walkways for safety
4. Introduce automated payment systems
In this day and age, convenience is king. Modern day drivers are more likely to prefer quick, hassle free, contactless payments, and automated payment systems are an ideal solution for this.
These payment systems accept cards, contactless, and app based payments, and can help reduce queues, improving customer satisfaction. So, if you have an outdated payment system in your car park, it may be time to update it to meet the needs of today’s drivers.
The best part? Automated payment systems can be integrated with ANPR technology, allowing visitors to drive in, pay from their phone, and get on with their day without stopping at a machine.
5. Implement measures to keep congestion to a minimum
A busy car park is a good car park, but it’s important to tackle congestion proactively where possible to reduce the risk of accidents and dissatisfaction. To reduce congestion in your car park, you should:
- Keep entry and exit points unobstructed at all times
- Install clear directional signage and road markings
- Avoid having tight turns or awkward corners present in your layout
- Consider separate entrance and exit routes where possible
Everyone wants a car park that is easy to get in and out of. When you do your bit to prevent congestion, your customers (and business!) will thank you.
Explore your options and increase your car park’s efficiency with Parking Patrol
From car park management in Manchester to car park management in Preston, our team is on hand to deliver the most efficient car park management solutions for your business. Take a look at the areas we cover across the UK. If you don’t see your area listed, please still get in touch!
We can help a variety of sectors, from airports and hotels to stadiums and offices, implement all of the techniques above. We offer the following services to our customers nationwide:
- ANPR systems
- Car park wardens
- Self ticketing
- Private land parking enforcement
- Parking solutions
- EV parking management
If you’d like to explore our car park management services for parking efficiency in the UK, don’t hesitate to contact our team today on 03707 203 807. We’ll be more than happy to discuss the best and most efficient solution for your facility.
