Airport parking is convenient, but it comes with some inherent risks. Unattended cars in a crowded parking lot can be vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and natural damage. Airports can make parking lots safer for cars in many ways. We’ve compiled 10 tips to help airports improve their security.
You can read the entire article or jump directly to a particular section.
- 1. Install Sufficient Lighting
- 2. Implement Access Control
- 3. Keep up with maintenance
- 4. Use security officers
- 5. Install Surveillance Systems
- 6. Install emergency phones and panic buttons
- 7. Create Sidewalks For Pedestrians
- 8. Make Sure Handicapped-Accessible Parking Spaces Are Code-Compliant
- 9. Add Speed Bumps
- 10. Use Signs That Are Easy to Understand
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1. Install Sufficient Lighting
Is the parking lot well-lit? There must be plenty of bright lighting in the lot’s pedestrian and driving areas, as well as minimal shadows that an attacker could hide behind. Elevators, stairwells, and the outside of parking garages are all high-risk areas.
Lighting during the day is another safety feature that should be considered. The stark contrast between the bright daylight and the dark parking garage that drivers see when they enter can temporarily blind them. The entrances of parking garages should be lit to reduce the chances of this occurring.
2. Implement Access Control
Airports can make parking lots safer by controlling access to certain areas. Gates, security booths, and raising and lowering arms are useful for managing vehicular and pedestrian entry. Structural elements like fencing and cement barriers can also be used, as can blocking areas where attackers can hide.
3. Keep up with maintenance
Replace a burned-out light as soon as possible. Maintaining the lot will keep it well-lit and send a signal to potential intruders that they are being given constant attention. Well-maintained lots are less likely to attract criminals so that they will avoid them.
A well-maintained property will not only discourage crime but also reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Image and Milieu is one of four principles for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design established by the National Crime Prevention Council. It states that well-maintained properties will improve safety.
Permeable surfaces are an effective and eco-friendly way to keep excess moisture away from property and provide adequate water drainage.
It is important to keep the landscaping in good condition, as tall, dense shrubbery provides criminals with a great hiding place. Trim and thin out the plants and bushes around the parking area so that an attacker cannot hide in the greenery.
4. Use security officers
A standard method of improving the safety of a parking area is having guards patrol it. A strong presence can be an effective way to deter crime. Providing officers with training and support can help them be more effective in their jobs.
5. Install Surveillance Systems
Crime is less likely to occur in places with better visibility. A CCTV system can monitor airport parking lots in addition to adequate lighting, landscaping, and access control. The system will also help airport security officers to perform their essential duties.
A surveillance system must be monitored to work properly. The effectiveness of parking lot cameras is dependent on security’s response to a threat. Criminals may be convinced to commit crimes if they see a delay in responding to suspicious behaviours, such as peering inside cars or watching the activities of other customers.
Unmonitored surveillance systems can encourage criminals to act even more. Parking customers may feel a false sense of safety when they see security cameras. They might also lower their guard and become more vulnerable to crime.
The following are some of the best monitoring solutions for CCTV systems.
- Security sound systems that are voice-activated: Installing a security sound system will trigger all the CCTV cameras within a certain distance when the sound of an attack is heard. The cameras will then immediately focus on the activity, alerting security guards.
- Motion detectors. Airports should also invest in motion detectors or a CCTV system with analytics to detect motion. Both are effective in alerting security personnel to a disturbance. Motion sensors detect infrared heat and trigger an alarm when the temperature in a certain area suddenly increases. These systems are designed to prevent false alarms caused by wind.
6. Install emergency phones and panic buttons
The installation of panic buttons and emergency phones can improve parking lot security. The mere presence of these devices will deter criminals and help ensure help is delivered quickly in an accident.
A parking lot emergency phone allows patrons to contact security personnel when needed. A panic button immediately sounds an alarm and directs security personnel to the location of the emergency. These tools make security guards more effective in the event of accidents, attacks, and health emergencies.
7. Create Sidewalks For Pedestrians
In some parking lots, moving vehicles and pedestrians share the same space. Drivers are often so focused on finding a parking spot that they don’t pay attention to pedestrians. Add walkways between bumpers to keep pedestrians safe and out of traffic.
The airports should also raise the pedestrian walkways on crossings to the same level as the surrounding area. This eliminates the need for people to walk up and down, which can slow down traffic. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to lower the walkways as they approach an intersection. Installing longer-sloped transitions and curbs in these areas will prevent the appearance of a handicap ramp at the intersection.
8. Make Sure Handicapped-Accessible Parking Spaces Are Code-Compliant
Make sure that the number, size and location of parking spaces comply with state and federal building codes. Place accessible parking spaces in the most convenient location to reach a building’s entrance. In buildings that have multiple entrances and adjacent parking, such as most airports, the handicapped space must be closest to the door.
There must be a clear path from the accessible parking to the entrance of the building. The path should be at least three feet in width, without curbs or stairs, and have a firm, slip-resistant surface.
9. Add Speed Bumps
Speed bumps or speed humps are essential for discouraging excessive speeding. They will protect pedestrians as well as other drivers in the parking lot. A speed bump is an effective way to prevent speeding. While speed limit signs are a good first step, they do not force drivers to slow down.
Install speed bumps at crosswalks and intersections and near corners and other areas where speed needs to be controlled. These tools can reduce the risk of an accident caused by speeding in these areas.
10. Use Signs That Are Easy to Understand
Communication is the final and most important element in parking lot security. Signs that inform pedestrians, drivers and criminals about the parking lot are vital to making it safer. Make sure all messages are clear and familiar.
The following are some recommended messages to be displayed on signs.
- Tell potential criminals what security measures are in place: This will help them to be stopped and prosecuted.
- Security tools include voice-activated systems, panic buttons, and emergency phones. Signage clearly explains how to use security tools.
- Signs can indicate the proper behavior of drivers in parking lots. Traffic flow is important. Parking lots are full of drivers who back out or drive in the wrong direction down an aisle. They often forget pedestrians. Install arrows and signs to direct drivers in the parking lot in one direction. This is particularly useful in areas with blind spots. Use high-visibility markings to mark parking spaces, two-way traffic lanes, emergency vehicle lanes, pedestrian crossings, and handicapped areas.
