Report Reveals That Less Than One In Three Think Private Car Parks Are Designed With Pedestrians In Mind
Bigger Spaces
Amongst motorists surveyed, 67% of motorists would welcome designated parking bays for different types/sizes of vehicles. A higher demand for more parking designated for motorists with young children was also expressed by two thirds surveyed (63%) – up 13% since 2013. This presents a challenge for facilities managers as they are focused on creating an efficient customer journey that will encourage further visits. With a higher demand for more designated parking areas facilities managers will need to make changes in order to retain custom.
Disability Improvements
With car parking evolving over the past decade, the report showed some positive steps are being taken - nearly half (45%) of landowners and car park owners are looking to improve disabled parking in the next two years - with general improvements for all motorists also being undertaken.
Such improvements will be well received, as the report highlighted the importance of developing car parks with disabled users in mind. Only 42% of Blue Badge holders believe private car parks are designed with disabled people in mind and finding adequate parking remains a common challenge. In 2013, 59% of Blue Badge holders said they often struggled to find a space within designated disabled parking areas - though there have been strong improvements in this field, ten years later, this figure has decreased by just 1%. These figures show where facilities managers can make small improvements to provide better parking solutions for users. These small changes will create a big impact for all users of the parking areas and the facilities managers as the car park will be seen as more accessible and therefore more favourable for use.
Stuart Harrison, Chief Strategy Officer at Intelli‑Park and British Parking Association (BPA) President, said: “It’s been interesting to explore how parking trends have changed and to uncover the statistics and motivations behind the key changes over the last ten years.
“Our report is a clear indication of how UK car parking continues to evolve, revealing not just how consumers use car parks, but how car park owners view and use the spaces too. There are key insights into what is important to the end user, providing vital information for future car park design to facilities managers. Convenience of finding spaces and the size of spaces continues to be important for many.”
In addition to understanding current attitudes, the report is aimed at identifying evolving parking expectations and needs, with car park owners being recognised as playing a key role in delivering this future vision.
While the number of car parking owners who have invested in Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points currently stands at 71%, 63% of EV drivers believe there could be more UK‑wide points. This comes at a time when 74% of EV drivers would be more likely to visit destinations with charging facilities, therefore investing in further charging points can provide quick win solutions for facilities managers.
Ben Cooke, CEO of Intelli‑Park, said: “This report highlights the undeniable evolution of EVs and the pressing need to bolster the required infrastructure within the mobility sector. We recognise this pivotal shift and are committed to playing a leading role in facilitating the seamless integration of EV‑charging solutions.
“Balancing the growing demand for EV charging while not neglecting the space required for non‑EV drivers will be an interesting challenge for site owners over the coming years. Continuous innovation and sustainability is undoubtedly central to shaping and creating car parks of the future that are responsive to ever‑evolving needs and integral to helping achieve a more environmentally‑responsible landscape.”
