Posted: Nov, 14, 2023 9:28AM ET • 5 min read

The importance of signage for your parking facility cannot be overstated. Signage plays a crucial role in guiding customers and ensuring a smooth parking experience, while mitigating risks on your property. To get you on the right track, below are five fundamental considerations when investing in signage.

1. Perform an onsite signage audit and devise a strategic plan.

Before delving into a significant signage investment, it is wise to conduct a thorough onsite signage audit in collaboration with your managed parking service provider. This audit will help you develop a strategic plan for an effective wayfinding experience within your parking facility. It involves assessing the size and scale of the facility to determine the number and optimal placement of signs for seamless navigation. The strategic plan should specify where to install signage, ensuring they are not obstructed, improperly angled, or difficult for drivers to see. Your managed parking service provider should deliver a detailed report with recommendations, mock-ups, materials, and pricing for your consideration.

2. Consider investing in electronic signage to display occupancy levels in real time.

In today's digital world, investing in digital and electronic signage is a smart move for your parking facility. These signs are known for their effectiveness in capturing the attention of potential customers with illuminated displays. However, before proceeding, it is important to research municipal bylaws and permit requirements to determine authorized sign sizes and assess electrical infrastructure availability. Next, find a reliable vendor to supply the necessary hardware and software. Consider signage orientation (single- or double-sided), static or scrolling text, and optimal viewing distance. Inquire about the software's capabilities for message display and updates, including integration with central management systems. Finally, secure an experienced electrical contractor, possibly through your parking provider.

3. Incorporate effective branding and accessibility requirements.

Your parking signage serves as the first point of contact for customers, making the design and branding crucial. Determine what to include on the signage; your brand, your parking provider’s brand, or a co-branded approach. In any of these instances, ensure that brand guidelines are followed and met. When it comes to design, opt for a sans-serif font for clarity and maintain a high colour contrast between the sign's messaging and background to allow visitors to read details easily. To improve accessibility, consider including braille on signage and pay station decals, a practice adopted by leading organizations such as international airports.

4. Follow standard guidelines to meet municipal bylaws.

Once your signage design is finalized, it is important to ensure it complies with municipal regulations. Essential requirements include placing signage in a conspicuous location on the licensed premises and including information about rates, hours of operation, the licensee's name, and address on parking lot signs. Ensure that lettering and figures are of uniform size, not exceeding 3 inches in height. In accordance with the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 915, be aware that unauthorized vehicles on private property with informational signage may be tagged or towed at the owner's expense.

5. Conduct regular maintenance of your facility and sign products.

After your parking signage is in place, ongoing maintenance is essential. Keep your messaging up-to-date and accurate, and perform regular onsite walk-throughs or remote monitoring of your parking facility. This practice ensures that your signage remains easily readable and safe. A safe and seamless visitor experience relies on both facility maintenance and the presence of high-quality signage, ensuring a positive customer impression that encourages return visits to the parking facility. Don't forget to communicate the latest parking rates and important updates to ensure a smooth parking experience for all.

The successful integration of a parking infrastructure demands careful planning and the strategic deployment of signage. The five considerations outlined above can guide you through this process, allowing you to create a parking facility that meets regulatory requirements, enhances the customer experience and ensures smooth operation.

References

How led message signs modernize and enhance parking facilities: Signal-Tech. Signal-Tech. (2021, September 28). https://www.signal-tech.com/information-center/news-and-articles/93-How-LED-Message-Signs-Modernize-and-Enhance-Parking-Facilities

Parking digital signage - top-5 content ideas for smart parking. Kitcast Blog. (2021, August 16). https://blog.kitcast.tv/parking-digital-signage/

Parking signage & wayfinding. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). https://www.preciseparklink.com/ps-parking-facility-signage-services