Poorly designed parking lots are incredibly frustrating for both the customers and employees who navigate through them. No one enjoys circling garages and lots, scanning for limited spots.

In fact, parking lots with low efficiency and safety can often drive customers away from businesses entirely. In this blog, we'll discuss some of the most practical and effective ways to improve the design of your parking lot.

Increase Pedestrian Safety

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are a common occurrence in many commercial parking lots. When drivers are too focused on finding a free space or are driving too fast, walking pedestrians are at an increased risk of being hit. These accidents can be reduced and prevented by adding simple details to your parking lot design. 

For example, it’s essential to paint bright and clear crosswalks for pedestrians to safely travel from commercial buildings to their vehicles. Adding divided sidewalks and medians between rows of parking spaces can also provide another platform for cars and pedestrians to travel securely.

Designate the Flow of Traffic

When a parking lot is difficult to navigate, the flow of traffic slows down significantly. Lot designers can avoid these clogs by creating clear signage for directing traffic and encouraging parking technology.

First, the design of your lot should have a logical directional flow. Larger or busier lots should consider adding noticeable, directional arrows to help traffic follow a consistent path.

Technology can also significantly impact and improve the movement of your lot. For example, systems such as parking guidance can proactively help customers and employees find open spots in lots. When customers have a more precise direction of where to drive, traffic will move more seamlessly and with fewer clogs.

Improve Sustainability

Designing a successful parking lot means considering more than drivers and pedestrians. Construction should always aim for parking lots to be low-impact developments that embrace eco-friendly practices. In the past, construction has used non-sustainable materials such as asphalt and non-pervious concrete to create lots.

However, investing in more eco-friendly materials such as previous concrete and adding greenery to parking lot landscapes could be beneficial. These additions are simple and add a professional aesthetic to the final look of your lot. 

There are several different approaches to contemplate when outlining the ways to improve your parking lot's design. You should consider pedestrians, drivers, and the environment as you brainstorm the walkways, signage, and landscaping of your lots. Taking these priorities into account will help ensure your parking lot is safe, efficient, and sustainable.