College campuses have seen a dramatic increase in students attending classes. This increase has led to more cars on campus, which has caused traffic congestion and parking problems.
This congestion has been a significant issue on many college campuses, but automated parking systems are one way to help alleviate the problem. This guide will explore how automated parking systems can help reduce congestion on college campuses.
What Is Automated Parking?
Automated parking is a system that uses robotic arms to guide cars into parking spaces. Using this system in conjunction with a parking garage or surface lot can manage parked and incoming vehicles.
Automated parking systems work by using several sensors to identify and track the location of cars as they enter and exit the lot. This information then calculates the best way to park the vehicles, resulting in up to 50 percent less congestion than a traditional parking lot.
Several automated parking systems are on the market, but the stacker system is the most common. Stackers are a series of ramps that cars drive up, and the robotic arm will park the car in the closest available space.
Four Reasons Students and Staff Dislike Traditional Parking on College Campuses
There are many reasons students and staff dislike traditional parking on college campuses.
Driver Confusion or Frustration With Parking
One of the main problems with traditional parking is that it can be challenging to find a spot. These challenges can lead to drivers becoming frustrated and confused, resulting in aggressive driving and traffic congestion.
Inefficient Use of Space
Traditional parking lots are often inefficiently designed, leading to traffic jams and congestion. Most people park in the same spot, which means there is limited space for cars to move around.
To make matters worse, when new visitors come in and take those spots, it creates even more congestion. It frustrates the regular users when they can't find a place to park, and it can take a long time to get out of a traditional parking lot.
Effects on the Students
The traffic congestion and parking problems on college campuses can have a negative effect on the students. For example, it can be challenging to get to class on time when there is a lot of traffic. It can also be hard to study in the library or other areas on campus when there is a lot of noise from cars and people.
Cost
Traditional parking can also be expensive, especially on college campuses where spots are in high demand. The average parking cost per semester can range from $100 to $400, which can be a lot of money for college students and staff. That much money can burden students and staff who are already struggling to pay tuition.
Three Ways Automated Parking Reduces Congestion
Using automated parking on college campuses can help reduce congestion in several ways.
It Multiplies Parking Capacity
With the increasing number of students attending college, campuses are feeling the strain when it comes to parking. Many students must park off-campus, which can be a hassle and a safety concern. Robotic parking systems offer a solution to this problem by increasing parking capacity on campus.
Multi-level parking allows colleges to make better use of their existing space and provide more parking for students. You can park more cars in the same area by using automated parking. You can do this because automated parking systems stack cars on top of each other, similar to how a multi-level parking garage works.
In addition, automated parking is a safer and more efficient way to park cars. Because the vehicles are parked using machines, there is less chance of damage due to human error. And, since the devices can park vehicles in a tighter space, less land is needed for an automated parking lot.
It Reduces Driver Confusion and Frustration
Driver confusion and frustration are among the leading causes of traffic congestion on college campuses. Automated parking can help reduce this by eliminating the hassle of searching for a parking spot.
When drivers know that they can pull up to the entrance of the lot and their car will be automatically parked, it eliminates the stress and confusion that comes with traditional parking. Removing these things can lead to a calmer and more organized parking lot, which will help reduce congestion.
It Reduces Inefficient Use of Space
Another reason for traffic congestion on college campuses is the inefficient use of space in traditional parking lots. Automated parking can help reduce this by eliminating the need for drivers to search for a spot.
You can reduce this because automated parking systems can park cars in a more organized way. With traditional parking, people often park in the same spot, which takes up a lot of space and can lead to traffic jams.
With automated parking, cars are parked in a grid-like pattern, which takes up much less space. Parking like this means more room for vehicles to move around in the lot, thus reducing congestion.
Tips to Get Started With Automated Parking
If your school is interested in implementing automated parking, you should keep a few things in mind.
First, you should have a clear idea of the available space and how much parking is needed. You don’t want to start planning for automated parking and run out of space.
Second, you will need to decide what type of system you want to use. There are a variety of designs on the market, so find one that fits your needs.
Third, you will need to ensure that the system is UL/NFPA compliant and meets all safety requirements. Fourth, you will need to train staff members to use the system. Training includes both operating and maintaining the system.
Finally, you will need to create a parking plan that outlines where cars will park and how the system will work best. Having a clear goal will help ensure that the system is implemented successfully and helps to reduce congestion on your campus.
Automated Parking Garages: The Future of Parking on College Campuses?
As college campuses become increasingly congested, automated parking garages will likely become more common.
These automated parking garages can help reduce congestion on college campuses by making the best available space. They also provide many other benefits, including security and convenience.
Harding Steel's CARMATRIX system is an excellent option if your school considers implementing automated parking. With over 2,500 installs, it is one of the most popular systems on the market. It is UL/NFPA compliant and meets all safety requirements.
Additionally, it works well in various settings, including parking garages, surface lots, and valet parking. For more information, contact us at 800-727-5325 or fill out the form on our contact page to speak with a representative.
