In the hustle and bustle of city life, vehicles constantly seek respite from the perpetual motion of the roads. This quest for a temporary halt brings us face-to-face with the escalating challenge of parking. The scarcity of adequate parking facilities in urban areas exacerbates congestion, leading to potential accidents. In this article, we delve into the pivotal role of planning and designing parking facilities to alleviate these issues.
Types of Kerb Parking : On-street or kerb parking offers a solution, allowing vehicles to be conveniently parked along the designated kerb. While this method suits those fortunate enough to find a space near their destination, it poses challenges for others. The absence of available spaces forces some drivers to park farther away, contributing to congestion and inconveniences.
1. Restricted and Unrestricted Kerb Parking : Kerb parking can be either unrestricted or restricted. Controlled by either the police or parking meters, restricted parking involves collecting a specified fee for a designated parking duration. Different patterns, such as ‘parallel parking’ and ‘angle parking,’ each come with their unique considerations regarding roadway width and parking angles.
2. Parallel Parking : Though requiring less roadway width, parallel parking accommodates fewer vehicles per unit length. Maneuvering into parallel parking spots demands precision and multiple movements.
3. Angle Parking : Angle parking, at 30, 60, or 90 degrees, provides more convenience for drivers during parking and unparking. However, it obstructs traffic more than parallel parking, contributing to increased accidents.
When on-street parking can’t suffice due to high demand and traffic congestion concerns, off-street parking becomes imperative. This method involves providing parking away from the roadside or kerb, minimizing congestion on already crowded streets.
Types of Off-Street Parking : Off-street parking facilities can be broadly classified as ‘surface parking lots’ and ‘multi-floor parking garages.’ Both involve five key steps: entrance, acceptance, storage, delivery, and exit.
1. Surface Parking Lots : Cost-effective and suitable where space is ample, surface parking lots can operate through ‘self-parking’ or ‘attendant parking’ systems. The latter requires less space, making it an efficient choice for storage and maneuvering.
2. Multi-Storeyed Parking Garages : Constructed when space is limited and expensive, multi-storeyed parking garages offer a solution to park numerous cars simultaneously. Elevators or ramps facilitate inter-floor travel for vehicles in these garages.
3. Mechanized Parking Garages : Mechanized garages, operated by trained attendants, maximize space utilization. However, they are vulnerable to breakdowns or power failures, disrupting the elevator system.
4. Ramps in Parking Facilities : Ramps, facilitating vehicle movement across different floor levels, increase overall space requirements. For self-parking, the need for ramp space becomes even more pronounced. Balancing convenience with spatial efficiency remains a challenge in the design of parking facilities.
