Over recent years, technology has worked to address some of the most enigmatic issues that plague society, especially those issues that are common to cities with rapidly increasing populations. One technological advance that probably has not crossed the minds of many is automated parking. There are several benefits that make automatic parking an increasingly popular option.
Automatic Parking Saves Space
As the access to parking spaces decrease, and parking garages and parking facilities look to maximize space, automatic parking has become a highly viable option. Not only can vehicles be stored without the need for human intervention, but the system allows for the garage to achieve a significantly higher automobile density within the facility. This rapidly developing technology also brings an increased value to real estate development, garage space is becoming an increasing issue of concern.
As far as real estate developers are concerned, automated parking can add value to their project in several ways, including:
- The reduction of expensive excavation
- Conserves open space
- Preserves valuable air rights
- Greater car density
Another consideration is that there are certain infill situations in which irregular footprints or small footprints inhibit the erection of a conventional garage with a ramp design. In cases like this, using the automated parking model may be the only option.
What is an Automated Parking System?
An automated car parking system is a mechanical system that is specifically designed to maneuver and place the car in storage position until the driver requests it — primarily for the purpose of reserving space. These types of systems are also used by professional valet services to reduce the distance the valets must travel to park a car — reducing the amount of time it takes to retrieve a vehicle upon request.
Additional Construction Benefits
Developers must be very savvy in order to ensure that they optimize the value of every project, and the use of an automated parking model can reduce the upfront capital that is necessary for the construction of conventional parking garages. It can also allow for increased living space in a location where there is limited real estate available. While ramp-design parking garages were the answer to the inefficiency of flat parking lots, automated parking is the evolutionary response to an even greater demand for more parking space when there is actually less space available.
Automated Parking is Safe
According to crime statistics, traditional parking garages are the number one place where people are sexually assaulted by strangers. Unfortunately, the conventional self-parking garages are a nightmare to secure and monitor — presenting opportunities for vandals, thieves and assailants to cause harm and damage.
Even in situations in which no one is actually lurking behind the next pole, walking to a car alone can still be a very uncomfortable feeling. When it comes to automated parking garages, patrons do not enter the garage, and access is limited to approved personnel.
The fact that patrons will be able to park their cars in an environment where no one will have direct access to it will lead to a higher level of peace of mind. The risk of being involved in a fender bender or being the victim of an act of vandalism is not a concern for automated parking. Because the vehicle has to be accessed through the system, there is no chance that a person will just walk up and still a customer’s car.
When a person returns to the garage to collect their car, they simply have to enter their code in order to have their car delivered to the driveway, and they will be ready to drive off in a matter of minutes. Using an automatic parking system is the equivalent of having a valet service, with the exception of not having to be concerned about someone else driving the car.
Because automated parking facilities require less space than conventional parking garages for the same number of cars, it reduces the amount of space that is needed to facilitate the projected car traffic — meaning that there will be more ground for landscaping for the sake of aesthetic appeal. It also leaves more space for building street level retail stores.
