Technological improvements continue to boost efforts to increase safety and security in parking facilities
By Jay Landers
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Safety and security in and around parking facilities are perennial concerns for operators and patrons alike. Parking structures, particularly large, enclosed facilities like garages, often face issues such as vehicle theft, vandalism, and violent crime, due to their typically isolated nature.
As parking reservation apps and related technologies increasingly give drivers more say over where they wish to park, consumers can be expected to seek out parking facilities that they perceive as safe and secure. To remain competitive, parking facility owners and operators must consider their options for meeting this demand. Along with the use of security personnel, lighting, and other traditional physical measures, a growing suite of technological solutions is available to improve the safety and security of parking facilities.
Physical measures
Visibility is crucial for safety and security. Bright, evenly distributed lighting deters criminal activity and reduces the likelihood of accidents. It improves visibility for drivers and pedestrians, making it harder for criminals to hide and easier for security personnel to monitor.
In terms of design considerations, the layout and design of parking facilities also play a role in safety. Open designs with clear sightlines and minimal hiding spots, alongside traffic-calming measures, contribute to a safer environment.
Restricting access to parking facilities through gates, ticketing systems, or automated barriers helps control who enters and exits. Some facilities use keycards, license plate recognition, or biometric scanners for added security.
Even something as straightforward as regular maintenance can go a long way in improving safety and security. Keeping facilities clean and ensuring that security equipment, like cameras and lighting, is fully operational reduces risks. Well-maintained environments are less likely to attract criminal activity.
Easy-to-use emergency call stations or panic buttons placed throughout parking facilities give individuals immediate access to help in case of emergencies. These systems often link directly to security personnel or local authorities and provide an essential lifeline for individuals feeling threatened or encountering other emergencies.
Surveillance and security
Many parking facilities employ 24/7 video surveillance with remote monitoring to ensure constant oversight. Technological advances continually improve the functionality of surveillance systems available to parking facilities.
For example, high-definition cameras and monitoring systems, often combined with video analytics, provide real-time surveillance. These systems can identify suspicious activity and are crucial for incident investigation.
Among the companies looking to help parking facilities improve safety and security through advanced surveillance technologies, TKH Security offers camera-based systems that are designed to provide comprehensive monitoring of parking facilities, addressing both security and operational needs.
TKH Security’s flagship solution, the Park Assist system, utilizes smart sensors with built-in cameras that not only guide vehicles to available parking spots but also provide constant video surveillance. This technology helps detect suspicious activities, monitor real-time conditions, and ensure visibility in areas where traditional cameras may miss details, such as between parked vehicles.
LPR’s many uses
License plate recognition (LPR) technology is typically thought of as an enforcement measure, one that is used to identify vehicles that have not paid for parking or have been parked beyond the allowed time frame.
However, LPR can also be used to boost safety and security in and around parking lots and garages, said Ira Powers, the chief executive officer (CEO) of TWYNS-US, the U.S. subsidiary of the digital supervision and enforcement company TWYNS B.V.
“LPR systems can prevent unauthorized access to parking areas and reduce the risk of theft or vandalism,” Powers said. “In addition, the technology can be integrated with databases of stolen vehicles, allowing for rapid identification and reporting.”
Because parking staff cannot be everywhere or see everything at once, LPR systems also can help them monitor vehicle movement and ensure that vehicles that have been asked to leave do not come back. The technology can “report unauthorized vehicles that return to a parking area they have been told not to visit again,” Powers said.
By reducing the need for parking staff to interact with potentially hostile drivers, LPR and other automated systems also can help to improve the safety of parking employees. As for improving public safety in general, LPR can be used to help enforce restrictions against parking in fire lanes and emergency access areas. “This contributes to a safer environment
for everyone,” Powers noted.
JAY LANDERS is editor-in-chief of Parking Today. He can be reached at jay@parkingtoday.com.
