Many people tend to associate their first impression with a business at the parking facility. Whether it is a public parking garage, a private lot, or an EV charging station, the presence of engaging parking signage can shape the whole experience. But how do you upgrade your parking signage to be more efficient and user-friendly? The answer is to go digital. So, let’s see what you can do in order to change your parking lot signage to better serve your customers and ensure smooth traffic at the same time.
Why parking signage matters
Parking signage plays a critical role in directing drivers, ensuring protection, and reducing confusion in any parking space. From parking permit signs, reserved parking signs, or handicap parking signs, these signs aid in regulating the flow of vehicles and maintaining order and organization. And this is where upgrading your parking signage to digital signage comes in.
Because the information is relayed in real-time via digital signage, drivers can be regularly updated, so the traffic flow is not hindered, and there is no driver exasperation. For example, digital entrance and exit signs for parking can be signs to show how many parking spaces are available, while parking navigational signs can lead drivers to open slots quickly.
What are parking signs?
Several types of parking signs are used as visual cues in parking sites and roadways to control traffic, prohibit parking, and advise drivers. Such signs include ‘No parking’ signs, ‘Speed Limit’ signs, ‘Visitor parking’ signs, ‘Fire lane’ signs, and so forth. The intention of parking signs is to ensure drivers understand where they can and cannot park, decrease accidents, and keep traffic moving efficiently.
By integrating digital parking signs, you enhance clarity. For example, parking enforcement signs can be programmed to change according to a specific time or day of the week. This decreases the requirement for multiple signs and can help avoid frustration. Payment instruction signs, for example, can be displayed on digital signs with integrated payment systems, allowing drivers to see exactly how and where to pay for their parking in real-time.
Embracing digital solutions for parking lot signs
Upgrading your parking lot signage is not only about a new coat of paint or more vivid colors. It is about a new perspective and approach to communicating with drivers in parking facilities. Digital signage helps overcome these deficiencies, as it allows the posting of real-time information.
Here are some ideas for what you can display on digital parking signage:
- real-time information on the number of parking lots available
- wayfinding signs for parking that adjust based on traffic patterns
- electric vehicle charging station signs that indicate the status of availability or usage of the charger
- data on traffic patterns and congestion times on the road
- temporary no parking signs for maintenance or special events
By using a digital signage solution like Yodeck, you can effortlessly update these displays from a central hub, saving both time and money. Instead of manually swapping out signs, you can program changes to occur automatically.
What is the symbol for a parking area?
The symbol used globally for marking off a parking space is the white letter ‘P’ on a blue background. This symbol is commonly found on parking entrance and exit signs or directional signs so that drivers can easily know where parking is available. Users of such signs can also notice other indications, such as parking restrictions or time limits.
While replacing your parking signage, you should think about improving the visibility of the parking area symbol. Larger, more illuminated, and visible digital screens can actually make this symbol more noticeable in dark places such as garages or areas with limited street lighting. Incorporating digital displays for reserved parking signs or carpool parking signs alongside this symbol can help streamline the driver’s experience, reducing confusion and ensuring compliance with parking regulations.
Benefits of upgrading to digital parking signage
Still wondering if upgrading to digital parking signage is worth it? Here’s what you stand to gain:
- Increased flexibility: With digital signage, you can easily switch between different messages, adapting to daily needs or special circumstances. For example, on reserved parking signs, you can change the notices according to the time of the day.
- Improved customer experience: Digital wayfinding signs for parking enable drivers to locate vacant parking spaces faster, reducing frustration.
- Cost-effectiveness: Even though higher costs might be incurred initially, digital signage eliminates the long-term costs of replacing and maintaining static signs.
- Sustainability: Digital signage is saving waste and materials since it reduces the need to replace signs physically.
For parking structures with more than one level, digital parking garage signs can show the number of spots available on each level, further enhancing traffic flow and customer satisfaction.
Where to begin?
So, how do you start improving your parking signage? There is a correct way to do it. The first step is to analyze the characteristics of the parking facility. Do you often have to deal with the lack of available parking spots? Do drivers often get lost and take a wrong turn? Once you identify these pain points, you can begin to strategize which areas would benefit most from digital signage.
Going digital can make any type of sign in your parking lot more efficient, whether it’s speed limit signs or handicap parking signs. Consider using the Yodeck platform, which allows you to manage your digital displays easily and efficiently from a single dashboard, ensuring that your parking lot operates smoothly.
Final thoughts
Upgrading your parking signage is more than just a new look—it’s an opportunity to improve the overall efficiency and user experience of your parking facility. With digital signage, you can provide real-time updates, decrease confusion, and create a safer and more streamlined parking environment. Whether you’re managing a parking garage, a private or a public parking lot, digital signs can offer the clarity and flexibility that today’s drivers need. And with Yodeck, making the transition to digital signage has never been easier.