Managing residential parking can be a challenge for property and facilities managers alike. Unauthorised vehicles, visitor parking issues, and permit management are just a few of the frustrations you face daily. But it doesn't have to be this way! By assessing a few key areas, you can create a smooth and hassle-free parking experience for your residents.
In this post, we’ll explore 8 key areas to focus on to ensure your residential parking system is running efficiently and providing the best experience for everyone.
1. Permit Management: Are Your Systems Up-to-Date?
Having a clear and efficient permit management system is crucial. Whether digital or paper-based, make sure resident permits are up to date and that visitor parking permits are properly monitored. A good system prevents unauthorised vehicles from taking up valuable space meant for residents.
Action: Review your current permit management process. Are permits easy to issue and monitor? Is it clear which spaces are for residents versus visitors?
2. Clear Signage: Can Residents and Visitors Understand the Rules?
The easiest way to ensure compliance is with proper signage. Residents and visitors should have no doubt about the parking rules—where to park, the consequences of unauthorised parking, and how to access visitor parking permits.
Action: Walk through your parking area. Are signs clearly visible, well-maintained, and easy to understand? Consider adding additional signage if necessary.
3. Unauthorised Vehicle Management: Are You Taking Action?
Nothing frustrates residents more than coming home to find their designated parking space taken by an unauthorised vehicle. Having a plan in place to monitor and manage unauthorised vehicles is essential.
Action: Regularly review how you identify and handle unauthorised vehicles. Are there patterns of repeat offenders? Consider installing monitoring systems like ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) for real-time tracking.
4. Parking Space Optimisation: Is Every Space Being Used Efficiently?
Parking spaces are a valuable resource, and it’s important to ensure they are being used efficiently. Unused or poorly allocated spaces can create frustration and overcrowding.
Action: Assess current space usage—are there enough designated spaces for residents, visitors, and deliveries? Are some spaces sitting empty while others are overused?
5. Emissions Monitoring: Is Your Parking Sustainable?
With sustainability becoming a priority for many developments, monitoring and reducing emissions in your parking area is a great way to stay ahead. Electric vehicle (EV) charging points and emissions reporting tools can help create a more eco-friendly parking system.
Action: Begin tracking emissions or consider adding EV charging points to your parking area. Look at ways to encourage more sustainable forms of transport.
6. Visitor Parking: Is There a Clear Process in Place?
Visitor parking can become a headache if not properly managed. Having a clear, fair process for visitor parking prevents frustration for both residents and their guests.
Action: Review how visitor parking is managed. Are there enough spaces? Is there an easy system for residents to provide visitor passes?
7. Enforcement: Are Your Parking Rules Being Followed?
Even with the best systems in place, enforcement is key to ensuring smooth operations. Without consistent enforcement, residents and visitors may begin to ignore parking terms & conditions.
Action: Check your current enforcement methods. Are violations being properly addressed? Consider a third-party parking management service to take the burden off your team.
8. Resident Communication: Are You Keeping Residents Informed?
Good communication can prevent many parking issues before they arise. Make sure residents are aware of all parking rules, permit renewals, and any changes to the parking system.
Action: Regularly update residents on parking procedures and encourage feedback. Keeping the lines of communication open helps reduce complaints and misunderstandings.
How UK CPM Can Help
If you’ve identified gaps in your parking management system, UK CPM is here to help. Our Residential Parking Checklist covers all of these areas and more, offering a simple, structured way to assess your current system and identify opportunities for improvement.
Want to take the next step? Download the checklist today and start creating a smoother parking experience for your residents.
