The complicated issue of parking is constantly on the minds of urban planners and condominium developers. Traditional parking garages take up valuable space and are notoriously inefficient, typically with more than 50% of their total area being used to service traffic and pedestrians rather than the intended goal of parking. As such, complex and detailed parking systems are developed to try to maximize the amount of space used. Unfortunately, these systems continue to fall short of their major competitor – the automated parking system.
Automated parking systems are designed to be efficient and render traditional parking garages as antiquated space wasters. Automated parking systems make the best possible use of their space above and below ground by eliminating any wasted space and instead parking only cars. Other benefits of these systems include the environmental benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and the elimination of theft, vandalism and minor accidents, as there is no pedestrian or traffic within these buildings.
These parking systems employ computerized lifts, shuttles and carriers to park and deliver cars to their respective drivers using computer terminals, key cards or even as simple as a parking tab. Some of the major benefits of these systems include;
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Eliminating the hassle, time, energy and environmental impact of finding a parking space. This act of driving around to find an open spot is very ineffective for driver and the garage alike.
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Reduction in crime as a result of a ‘one way' only system designed to bring the cars into the parking spot while keeping humans out.
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Reduction in fender benders because of the lack of traffic internally. Granted it is possible for a minor accident to occur outside of the parking bays, but the reduction is immense in comparison.
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Personal safety is improved for drivers. One of the most common places for assault, theft or sexual assaults such as rape, to occur is within a parking garage. Instead of having to navigate the potentially unsafe interior of a parking garage, drivers can simply recall their cars from a safe location automatically.
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Special needs people such as those in wheelchairs find exceptional use of an automated system, simplifying both their parking and car retrieval.
Other benefits of these systems include their modular and customizable appearance. These systems can be customized to meet the look and feel of any exterior, nearby building, community appearance or other design. In addition, because these systems are more efficient than traditional garages, the amount of land they use is reduced by over 50%, allowing this other land to be developed into other things.
Automated parking systems are also highly reliable thanks in part due to their redundancies built into each parking system. Prices have also seen a decrease over the years and now these systems are typically less expensive to build, operate and maintain than the traditional parking garage.
These benefits combined make the application of parking lot systems in traditional garages rather unnecessary and will never compare or compete with an automated parking system.