When designing a parking facility, one of the first choices you need to make is the type of parking style you will use. Learn about the main parking methods you can choose from for your parking facility, as well as some of the benefits of each style.
Perpendicular Parking
Perpendicular parking is the standard parking layout featured in many lots and facilities. Perpendicular parking places cars side-by-side and requires drivers to turn into each spot at a 90-degree angle. Perpendicular parking is space efficient and common throughout the country and internationally. Because customers are so familiar with it, perpendicular parking continues to be the default choice for many businesses.
Angle Parking
Like perpendicular parking, angle parking lines vehicles side-by-side in the lot. However, as the name suggests, these spaces are positioned at a slight angle facing inward as the cars approach. This angle makes it easier for drivers to park since they only need to turn slightly rather than at a 90-degree angle. Angle parking spaces are typically smaller than straight parking, which means you can create more parking spaces within each row of your lot or facility.
Parallel Parking
Parallel parking requires drivers to park parallel to the curb by lining up their cars bumper-to-bumper. Businesses often use parallel parking spots for street parking directly outside their buildings. There are more restrictions when it comes to planning a parallel parking lineup, as vehicles must not block fire hydrants, driveways, crosswalks, and more. Additionally, most drivers don’t practice parallel parking as frequently as other techniques, which can make it a challenging and inefficient parking method. For these reasons, you should use parallel parking spots sparingly throughout your facility.
Lift Parking
Lift parking is a new method that many businesses are incorporating into their facilities. Lift parking uses automatic or semi-automatic technology to hoist cars using a system of pulleys and hydraulic lifts. This technology allows businesses to stack cars vertically, making it a more efficient use of space. If you’re looking for ways to create more space in your facility, consider lift parking.
Now that you know the main parking methods for your facility, you can choose the style that offers the most advantages for your business. Other factors, such as accessibility requirements for your facility, can also determine which types of parking spaces you will need to incorporate into your design.
