Car Park Signs Explained and How to Use Them
Anybody with a driving licence knows about traffic signs and how they can help create a safe environment for road users. However, while many of us are familiar with road traffic signs, car parking signs often get overlooked.
Understanding how car parking signs work can help create a stress free and safe environment for both drivers and car park owners. To help bridge this gap, we’re here to explain the different types of car parking signs in the UK and how car park owners can use them to improve car park management.
Why are car parking signs important?
When used correctly and displayed clearly, car park signage can improve the parking experience for all parties involved.
From pedestrians and cyclists to car users and car park staff, car park signs display useful information contributing to smooth operation while minimising the risk of accidents and legal issues like unauthorised parking.
Car parking signs generally communicate three different categories of information:
- Instructions: Where drivers can park, time limits, and restrictions.
- Safety measures: Directions for pedestrian walkways, speed limits, and exits.
- Payment information: Methods for paying, parking charges, and enforcement details.
In many cases, disputes boil down to misunderstandings. So without the correct parking signs, a car park facility can quickly lose its sense of efficiency, and this can potentially lead to more instances of illegal parking, confusion and dissatisfaction from car park users.
Types of car parking signs
Whether you’re brushing up on your car parking sign knowledge or curious what these signs mean for your own car park, we’ve categorised the most common parking signs in the UK to help you get up to scratch.
Regulatory car park signs
Regulatory car park signs state rules that drivers must follow. You’ll usually find these types of signs in well-lit, visible areas at entry points and throughout a car park.
- No parking signs indicate where parking is illegal and prohibited. These signs often include additional details like loading restrictions and enforcement measures.
- Permit holders only signs designate parking spaces for authorised permit holders, like residents and employees.
- Disabled parking signs mark spaces reserved for blue badge holders and are usually placed in an area with extra space for easy accessibility.
Information and instruction car park signs
Information and instruction signs offer practical information that guides drivers and improves the user experience and function of the car park facility. You’ll generally see these car park signs at decision making points, like entrances, exits, and near payment machines.
- Entry and exit signs guide the flow of traffic within the car park and prevent congestion.
- Payment information signs inform drivers on how to pay for parking, whether this be at a machine, by phone, or online via QR code.
- Parking rates and tariff signs display the costs of parking, usually based on duration.
- Directional arrow signs direct drivers to available spaces, exits, or specific zones within a car park.
Safety and warning car park signs
Safety signs are arguably the most important type of car park sign as they give strict information to keep car park users free from harm. If a driver or pedestrian ignores a safety or warning car park sign, it could result in an accident or a fine.
Safety and warning car park signs tend to be placed at pedestrian crossings, speed ramps, and areas with height restrictions.
- Speed limit signs remind drivers to maintain a safe speed while navigating the car park. In the UK, the recommended speed limit for driving in a car park is 5 to 10 miles per hour.
- Pedestrian zone signs draw attention to walkways, crossings, and shared zones within a car park to protect pedestrians.
- Height and width restriction signs inform drivers of HGVs and wide vehicles of the car park’s limits to prevent vehicle and structure damage.
- CCTV and enforcement signs alert drivers that the car park is monitored, whether by CCTV or an ANPR system. Enforcement signs must be abided by and may result in fines or legal action if not.
Custom parking signs
In private car parks, you may find custom parking signs that address tailored rules related to the parking facility. This could include:
- Customer only parking signs reserving space for business customers.
- Reserved space signs allocating parking for management employees, visitors, or specific vehicles.
- Temporary parking restriction signs informing drivers of rule or usage changes related to closures, maintenance, and events.
How to implement effective car parking signs
If you’re a car park operator or manager in the UK and want to make sure your signage stays effective, here are a few factors to consider when setting up your car park signs.
1. Be clear and simple
Always use clear and concise language on car park signs, supported by universally recognised symbols. This will help your car park users understand the sign’s meaning almost instantly.
2. Prioritise visibility
Car park signs should be placed at eye level whenever possible, and we recommend using reflective materials to help with visibility in low-light conditions. Consistent sign positioning can help drivers anticipate car park signs and encourage slower speeds.
3. Comply with The Highway Code
Make sure that any car parking signs adhere to The Highway Code. Car parking signs that fail to meet legal requirements may not be legally enforceable.
4. Be strategic with placement
Try to position your car park signs at key position points like entrances, exits, corners, and specific parking bays.
How can car park signs improve control and management?
Effective signage will keep a car park facility safe, operational, and easy to use. Informative and useful car parking signs can also:
- Improve user experience by reducing frustrations and helping drivers find the right parking spaces quickly.
- Reduce misuse by outlining rules and penalties to deter unauthorised and illegal parking.
- Enhance safety with warning and speed limit signs to minimise the risk of accidents.
- Supporting enforcement by ensuring parking rules are followed.
For extra support, our experts at the UK Parking Patrol Office provide bespoke car park management services across the UK, covering everything from car park security wardens to self ticketing solutions. Get in touch with our team for more information.
Stay on top of car park management with Parking Patrol
By understanding the different types of car park signs and how to use them, you’re helping to prevent car park accidents and misuse.
If you’re a car park operator, our team is here to help you keep your car park compliant, safe, and efficient. We provide tailored car park management services across the UK and can help you transform your facility into a productive, operational space.
For more information about our services or advice about a bespoke car park management solution, get in touch with our team today on 03707 203 807, and we will be more than happy to assist you.