Every day, you see too many cars and not enough parking space. In this situation, cars can block roads, increase traffic and lead to accidents. You mostly waste time in search of a spot. To fix this common problem, multi level parking is designed.
Today, we will talk about multi level parking, its types, benefits and how it works. You will also learn the right way to park your car in multilevel parking.
Multi Level Car Parking System
A multi level car parking system (MLCPS) designed to park cars on many levels. It stacks cars upward to save space. Mostly, you need to use lifts and machines to move cars. You park at ground level with little effort. This system saves land and reduces traffic. You can find it in malls, offices, city centres and hospitals.
How Does Multi Level Parking Works?
Multi level parking works by building parking spaces in vertical order. That means, you can park more cars in less land. The system uses ramps, lifts or shuttles. Basically, these tools move your car from one floor to another. This process makes parking fast and organized. However, different systems use different machines to work.
Multilevel Parking System Components
A multilevel car parking set up uses many parts to work smoothly. Each one has an important role in parking your car.
Lift and Conveyors: These components move your car inside the parking system. You can use them to carry your car up, down or sideways. This way, you can place your vehicle in the right spot.
Parking Bays: Parking bays are the locations where you can leave your car. Well, one bay holds one vehicle safely. As a result, the system directs it to an empty bay.
Control System: This system is used to guide your car in the parking area. You have to use buttons, screens or cards to operate it. In short, it tells lifts & conveyors where to move your vehicle.
Safety Measures: In this set up, you will find sensors, alarms and barriers. They stop accidents and car damage.
Types of Car Parking Multi Level
Manual Systems
In the manual multilevel parking system, you can easily park your car yourself. You need to drive the car to the empty space. To move between levels, you have to use ramps or floors. This setup does not need machines. However, the staff members require more to operate this setting.
Automatic Systems
There are different types of machines used to park your car for you. You only drive to the entry point and leave the car. After that, lifts, conveyors or platforms move your car to an empty spot. Hence, you do not need to drive inside the parking area. This setup saves time as well as reduces human effort/errors.
Hybrid System
If we talk about hybrid multilevel car parking set up, it combines manual and automatic methods. So, you may drive your car to a certain point. Then machines take over to park it in the right space. Further, this system uses fewer staff as compared to manual setups.
Mechanical Parking System
A mechanical multi level parking uses machines to stack cars up or sideways. With this setting, you can park many cars in a small space. You will find mechanical parking facilities in urban areas. As machines handle most movements, it also reduces accidents and car scratches.
Puzzle Multilevel Parking
Puzzle parking functions like a moveable puzzle. For example: cars placed on platforms which can move vertically and horizontally to fit other cars. Hence, it saves space and works well in small areas for repeat users. Generally, you will see it in apartments and places with limited space.
Stack Multilevel Car Parking
In stack parking, cars will stack on metal platforms. It uses a robotic system, so machines lift and place the cars on top of each other. This method is ideal to use land efficiently. Moreover, it is fast and costs less than more complex systems.
Automated Tower Parking
Tower parking stores vehicles in tall buildings such as a vertical garage. You will leave your car at the entry point. Then, machines lift it to an empty location in the tower. So, cars are stacked one above another to save space. This system works well in busy cities and airports.
Automated Carousel Parking
Carousel parking stores cars in a circular way. You drive your car to the entry point. The technology based machines rotate to place your car in an empty spot. It works well in small areas and busy buildings. It may cost more at first but makes parking fast and efficient.
Multi Level Parking Design Standards
- The multilevel parking garage must be able to hold the weight of cars and handle their movement.
- You have to design it in a way that the system can resist extra forces such as wind, snow or earthquakes.
- For multi level parking building construction, you can use materials such as reinforced concrete, steel and pre-stressed concrete.
- You should use straight, helical or sloped ramps.
- Plus, the parking entrances and exits should be placed carefully to avoid street congestion.
- You have to make sure there is enough height for all vehicles. For example: emergency and ADA vans.
- For safety, you have to install items such as CCTV cameras, energy efficient LEDs, safety signs, alarms and smoke vents.
How To Park in Multilevel Parking?
First, you need to enter carefully and watch for other cars and pedestrians. You should drive slowly on ramps and stay in your lane. Now, you can pull your car into the parking bay. When you leave, you have to follow the signs or let the system bring your car to the exit.
Multi Level Car Parking Lots Safety
Safety is important in multi-level parking lots. You should install the following safety devices to control traffic and safe parking.
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Guardrails and Wheel Stops
You should place guardrails along ramps & corners. They prevent cars from falling or hitting walls. Wheel stoppers are placed at the end of parking bays. These tools stop your cars from moving too far forward. They also reduce the chances of small collisions in tight spots.
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Lighting Systems
With bright lights, you can see clearly when you are driving or parking. They also make it easier to spot pedestrians and other vehicles. According to legal standards, you should install energy efficient LED lights with sensors to save power.
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Fire Safety Measures
In multilevel parking buildings, you should install fire alarms & smoke detectors to protect you and your car. Also mark emergency exits, so you can leave safely during a fire. Signs and lights also guide you to safety quickly. This way, you can reduce the risk of dangerous accidents.
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CCTV and Monitoring
With the placement of CCTV cameras & monitoring systems, you can keep the parking lot highly safe. Because, cameras watch all areas like ramps or entry points. As a result, security staff can spot accidents, theft or suspicious activity quickly.
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Safety Barriers & Signage
You must install strong safety barriers and signs to guide and protect traffic in a multi-level parking lot. With barriers, you can block entry of cars into restricted areas. Also, signs show speed limits, directions, entrances, exits and pedestrian zones.
Multi Level Parking Applications
Multi level parking is useful in many places. You can design this system in the following locations or sites.
- Airports
- Shopping malls
- Office buildings
- Hospitals and hotels
- Commercial & business centers
- Residential areas
- High rise buildings
- City centers
- Event venues
Multi Car Parking System Cost
Well, the cost of a multi car parking system depends on its type, materials, size, location and technology used. For example: manual systems are cheaper, but automatic and mechanical systems require more budget.
For basic stackers, you have to spend approximately $1600 and $7500 per lift. If you want to design fully automatic robotic garages, it can cost you around $20,000 to $30,000 per parking space.
Advantages of Multilevel Parking
- The parking in vertical order stores many cars in a small area, which saves space.
- It can cost less over time because it uses less land and needs fewer staff. Also, you don’t need to maintain it on a regular basis.
- As cars have assigned spots, so it reduces traffic jams inside the garage.
- You can leave your car at the entrance and the system parks it for you, which saves time as well.
- Plus, you don’t need to search for parking. Because, it is generally close to shops and offices.
- Further, machines and lifts reduce the need for constant maintenance and staff requirements.
Disadvantages of Multilevel Parking
Below are some drawbacks of multilevel car parking garages.
- High initial cost
- Risk of mechanical failures
- Need for skilled staff
- Expensive repairs and upgrades
- Longer construction time
- Complexity in designing the parking
- Safety issues
Final Thoughts
Multi level parking is a smart and effective way to solve parking problems in urban areas. When you choose the right design and system, you can reduce traffic and improve safety.
However, if you are looking for a professional supplier of parking safety solutions, JACKWIN is your best choice. Contact us to get all our parking safety products at highly affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Multi Level Parking Safe?
Yes, multilevel parking is risk free if you follow proper design and safety standards. Moreover, it uses automated systems which limit human access and reduce the risk of theft. The installation of safety tools make it more danger free and secure.
What Types of Vehicles Can Use Multi Level Parking?
In most multilevel parking set up, you can only park your cars, motorcycles and bicycles. Most garages also fit regular vehicles such as sedans, SUVs & hatchbacks. But, you can not park large trucks, buses or oversized vehicles in multilevel garages.
