It will be difficult for you when you want to park your car but the space is full of crowd. There are unclear signs and traffic is messy as well. To solve this issue, parking lots are made.
However, if you want to take full advantage of parking lots, you must know their meaning and how they work. That is exactly what we will tell you, including their design, types, and rules of parking.
Parking Lot Definition
A parking lot is defined as an allotted space for keeping vehicles in a safe and protected environment. Normally, the parking lots are built near hospitals, restaurants, shopping malls, apartments & on roads. The parking can be an open or closed space, depending on the need.
Types of Parking Lots
Surface Parking Lot
As the name suggests, these parking lots are level with the surface. The most common and easiest type of parking.
Multi-level Parking Lot
An advanced parking system, in which multi-level stories are built for parking. Access is usually given through a ramp built around the whole building.
Underground Parking Lot
In case you have less space, you can build underground parking in basements. These parking lots give you extra space and convenience.
Automated Parking Lot
Automatic parking lots are advanced parking lots. In automated lots, cars are parked through robots, lifts and conveyors.
Residential Parking Lot
There is a much-needed parking lot system for residents. Normally, common residential parking lots are designed for a whole community.
Event Parking Lot
These parking lots are designed especially for wedding ceremonies, exhibitions and sports events. Usually, such parking lots are temporary.
Parking Lot Design
While designing a parking lot, you have to follow the international design standards. You can make your parking lot safer, convenient, and easy for the users.
Parking Lot Design Standards
Parking Space:
There should be enough space for cars, so you can move them freely while entering or exiting the parking. It may vary from car to car, depending on the size and dimensions. The space for disabled parking should be more than normal for wheelchairs.
Driving Lane:
Driving lane width depends on the angle of parking. If the parking is perpendicular at 90 degrees, then the lane can have more width. If the car parking angle is 60 or 45 degrees, then the width of the lane should be less and adjust accordingly.
Driveways:
If the traffic is one-sided, the width of the driveways can be 3.6 meters. In case of two-way traffic, the width should be double to ensure smooth parking.
Slope:
The ground slope should be less than 5% for better drainage. In multi-level parking lots, the slope of ramps must be between 12 to 15%.
Special Parking:
In the event parking lot, there should be a disabled parking place after every 25 spaces. The disabled car parking must be clearly marked with disability sign.
Lighting:
The parking lot should have enough lighting, especially at entry and exit points.
Drainage System:
The parking lot should have a complete drainage system to drain out water.
Parking Lot Dimensions
Parking Lot Dimensions in Feet
According to the US standards:
Standard Parking Space: 9 feet in width and 18 feet in length
Compact Car Space: 7.5-8.5 feet in width and 16 feet in length
Parallel Parking Space: the width has to be 8-9 feet and the length should be 22 feet.
Driving Lane: 12-18 feet wide for one-way traffic and 20-24 feet wide for two-way traffic.
Standard Parking Space Size Meters
Standard Car Space: It should be 2.5 meters wide and 5.5 meters long.
Compact car space: The space should be 2.3-2.5 meters in width and 4.5-5 meters in length.
Parallel Car Parking: The space needs to be minimum of 2.5 meters wide and 6.5-7 meters long.
Driving Lane: 3.5-5.5 meters wide for one-way traffic. 6-7 meters wide for two-way traffic.
Parking Lot Size For 20 Cars
According to international standards, the total space for one car is about 300 square feet. This space includes the circulation space as well. If you want to build a car parking lot for approximately 20 cars, it would require about 6000 square feet.
Parking Lots Signs
Directional Parking Signs
There should be clear directions regarding the entry & exit points. Parking lots should also have arrows to guide drivers.
Speed Limit Sign Board
In parking lots, there must be a speed limit of 8-25 km/h. Fast speed can be hazardous to other cars as well. So, clear instructions should be there for the speed limit.
Handicap Parking Signs
Disabled persons’ parking must be clearly described with the handicap parking sign. This parking space should be near the entry point for easy access.
Fire Lane Sign
In Parking lots, the fire lanes should be clear and no vehicles should be parked.
Parking Prohibited Sign (No Parking Sign)
Some places are prohibited for parking. There must be a “No Parking” sign in prohibited places in parking lots.
Customer Parking Signage
This sign is especially installed in big parking lots where strangers park their cars. A special sign with clearly written “this parking is reserved for customers only” can be installed.
Parking Slot or Lot
A parking slot refers to a single car space. Whereas the parking lot is a full-fledged area where hundreds of cars can be parked. So, you should not mix these two words.
Parking Lots For Trucks
These are special parking lots made for big vehicles, like trucks, buses, and other heavy machines. In these parking lots, the space for each slot is determined by the truck size. Usually, the width is 12-14 feet and the length is 65-70 feet. Wide driveways, restrooms, lights & other facilities should be there.
What is the Speed Limit in Parking Lots?
The normal speed limit in most of the parking lots is 8 km/h and 10km/h. Sometimes, in bigger parking spaces, it can be up to 25km/h.
Parking Lots Lights
Blue Lights in Parking Lots
These lights are normally associated with emergencies in the parking lots. Normally, blue lights are connected to the emergency help lines. You will see these lights in the parking lots of universities, big malls, banks, etc.
Flashing Lights in Parking Lots
Flashing lights are for giving special directions and alerts to the drivers. These lights mark pedestrian crossings, prohibited areas and sharp turns. Usually, yellow or amber colors are used to catch the attention.
What Are Parking Lots Made of?
It depends on the budget, location, parking size and other factors. You can choose asphalt, which is an easy option to install and affordable as well. You can also go for concrete if you want more durability. In low-cost options, gravel is good. For classy looks, bricks and tiles can be used; however, they require a high budget.
Largest Parking Lots in the World
The world’s largest parking lot is in Canada. It is the West Edmonton Mall parking lot with a space of more than 20000 vehicles. In Qatar, the world’s largest underground parking with a capacity of 10017 cars. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport also has the largest parking lot with 11500 spaces.
What Are the Yellow Poles in Parking Lots Called?
The yellow poles are also called bollards. They are installed for directing the traffic in the right directions and also have special signs on them.
How Long Can You Leave Your Car in a Parking Lot
It depends on the type of parking lot. Usually, the commercial parking lots don’t allow for long stays and can accommodate your car for a few hours. On the other hand, airport parking lots are used for longer stays. However, they charge for the stay and provide this service regularly.
Benefits of Parking Lot
- It is easy to enter and exit your car in a well-organized parking lot.
- Your car will be safer and secure while staying in the parking lot.
- Facilitates traffic flow in an organized way.
- Generates revenue in the case of paid parking systems.
- Promotes business activities by providing good parking spaces in front of malls and markets.
Parking Lot Rules and Regulations
- Speed limits must be followed strictly.
- There should be proper lighting and directions for visitors.
- The cars need to be parked in marked lines.
- No car should be parked in no-parking zones.
- You can not sit for so long in your car in the parking lot.
- You should pay in case of paid parking lots.
Final Note
In the end, we can say parking lots make your parking more organized and easy as well. If you are a facility manager, you must take care of parking lots, proper designing, its lighting and sign placement.
This will make your parking area safe and maintain traffic flow. If you have any further questions or need guidance, you can contact us for expert advice. We also have a large stock of traffic and parking products in our factory.
