Secure features in parking facilities help protect you and your vehicle. In urban areas like New York City, some parking garages offer technological and design amenities that facilitate a streamlined, safe process. City Parking operates over 150 garages, and our management teams create an environment that promotes security. Top features that drivers should look for in secure parking facilities include:
Access and Control
A parking facility that uses gated access allows only authorized vehicles and individuals to enter. This could mean paying customers, delivery drivers, or employees of a business attached to the garage. Preventing unauthorized people and vehicles from entering the facility helps create a secure environment. Drivers also won’t need to leave their car unprotected in street parking, and they can confirm that their vehicle is kept safe while they are away.
Some parking garages have on-site attendants; this provides an additional layer of security. The staff is able to monitor the facility, and their presence helps to deter theft or damage to vehicles. They may offer assistance with overseeing payments and verifying IDs if required. The staff can also view the entire garage through security cameras. It allows them to respond quickly to customers’ inquiries or potential accidents. Surveillance videos also provide law enforcement with recordings if accidents occur and they need additional information.
Design and Maintenance
Design features promote a safe area by creating a clean, well-lit facility. Garages that have ample lighting allow drivers and pedestrians to navigate driving lanes and walkways safely at night. The increased visibility may prevent car accidents, and vehicles parked in the light help individuals avoid unsafe conditions in dim areas.
Proper maintenance also presents a professional, secure environment, and management teams make sure facilities are clean and clutter-free. Maintenance may involve:
- Removing standing water or garbage to help prevent tripping hazards.
- Replace burned-out lightbulbs so that the garage remains well-lit.
- Making sure elevators are working properly in case of emergencies or disabled people needing to use them.
- Repainting pavement markings to keep the separation between lanes and stalls clear.
- Replacing clouded or damaged convex mirrors. These are rounded mirrors that provide a wide view of blind spots, which can be used in garages to help prevent accidents in tight areas.
Many garages are covered with roofs and walls, which means vehicles are parked in an enclosed area. This protects them from the weather, as they are less likely to be covered in snow or road salt while in the facility. Drivers also benefit from this; they don’t need to walk in the rain or remove snow from their car during a storm. Parking in a garage allows drivers to be protected from the wind and harsh UV rays as they exit their vehicle. Enclosed parking garages also help protect the paint on cars.
Reservations and Technology
Some garages offer reservation systems; these let drivers secure a parking stall. They are able to avoid driving through a full parking garage, which may cause congestion during peak usage periods. Fewer vehicles navigating a crowded garage helps to keep them and parked cars safe. Drivers book a space through a reservation system, and this helps create a secure process so that garage owners know who plans to park in the facility.
A garage may utilize different technology features for security measures. Some of these include:
- License Plate Recognition: As drivers arrive at a gated entrance, their vehicle’s plate is scanned and referenced against the facility’s database. Individuals who have paid beforehand and entered their license plate number in the system can gain quicker access. This also helps prevent unauthorized entry.
- Occupancy Sensors: These may display available and full stalls on a screen for drivers so that they know where to park. Some systems even direct vehicles directly to open stalls. This helps people avoid hesitation or sudden stops while driving, which may be the cause of some accidents.
Use a Secure Parking Garage
Busy cities present challenges to drivers, but parking garages provide people with a safe place to park. City Parkingoffers well-maintained facilities with security features. Secure, controlled access at entrances and exits helps create a streamlined process so that vehicles don’t cause congestion on the street or within the garage. Garage owners may even offer digital passes, allowing drivers to enter quickly without lowering their window. Park in a secure parking garage today to protect your vehicle.