Parking Garages

Parking.jpg (26674 bytes)

Studies show that in both urban and suburban environment, parking structures are the most problematic. These structures isolate people. Most garages are not only badly designed - with many blind spots and hiding areas - but badly maintained as well.

CPTED guidelines can do much in the way of improving parking structure safety without tremendous cost. With the simple addition of high intensity lighting, for example, a garage can quickly become a much safer place.

CPTED Guidelines

1. Natural Access Control

garages should be attended or monitored openly with cameras and sound monitors indicated with signs

pedestrian entrances should be adjacent to vehicle entrances

stairwells should be visible without solid walls

elevators should be close to the main entrance with the entire interior of the elevator in view when the doors are open

there should be no permanent, stop button installed in elevators

ground floor should be design to provide a view of the garage using wire mesh or stretch cable

access should be limited to no more than two designated, monitored entrances

2. Natural Surveillance

all elevators should be monitored by cameras and sound or utilize clear materials for the entire car

retaining walls should be replaced with stretched cable railings for maximum visibility

parking areas and driving lanes should be well lit

3. Management

there should be no free access to adjacent building without direct monitoring

public and private parking spaces should be designated

hours of use should reflect that of local businesses, with secure closing during non-use hours