As the number of cars on the road continues to grow, so does the demand for automated parking. From a user’s perspective, there is a heightened convenience by not having to deal with the hustle and bustle of finding a parking space themselves. Meanwhile, the developer receives all the benefits of decreased operating costs and space requirements. Throughout this blog we’ll outline more reasons why you should evaluate an automated parking solution over a conventional solution.
This is the fifth installment of Westfalia´s “Envision APS” blog series – The Why´s of Automated Parking. As we near the end of this series, answering common questions that we are asked in the context of automated parking systems (APS), be sure to refer back to previous topics using the links below. The topics are categorized into who, what, when, where, why and how. If you have questions that we don´t cover in our blog series, click here to send them to us or use #envisionAPS on social media and a member of our team will personally reach out!
Part 1: The WHO's of Automated Parking
Part 2: The WHAT's of Automated Parking
Part 3: The WHEN´s of Automated Parking
Part 4: The WHERE’s of Automated Parking
Why should I invest in automated parking?
Previous arguments against automated parking merely cited the price per space as their case; however, there are numerous savings to be had with automated parking systems. With less land area needed to build the garage, you may save half of your excavation costs. This space saved will allow you to increase your earning potential by using the area for more hotel rooms or condos, for example. You may also save money on lighting and ventilation because of the reduced regulations and requirements for those inside the system. When evaluating the investment in automated parking, first assess the value of the added real estate and other savings to your business. Often, installing this type of system is a net gain for your company.
Why is automated parking better than conventional parking?
Each project has its own unique requirements. However, in many cases, an APS wins over a conventional parking garage due to key notable advantages. Some of the most remarkable are:
- Improved safety
- Luxurious user experience
- Space savings
- Reduced operating costs
- Less environmental impact
Why is automated parking better for the environment?
Automated parking is often a more sustainable option than conventional parking. We all know the struggle of trying to find a parking spot in a typical parking garage and, in that scenario, the car is continuously running until a spot is found. Automated parking cuts down on wasted driving time and, as a result, wasted emissions.
One unique feature of an automated parking system is the lights-out environment. There is no lighting required within the system since it is completely operated by machines. The only places you have to light are the transfer areas and where the users walk to the transfer areas.
In a standard parking garage, there are specific ventilation requirements due to the amount of human traffic passing through the system. Westfalia’s automated parking garages have much lower ventilation requirements; typically only needing 2 air changes per hour. Therefore, companies spend less electricity to operate an automated garage.
In some cases, automated parking garages are built completely underground. What’s left is more land for ‘green’ spaces such as parks and playgrounds, right on top of the APS! This is especially important in densely populated areas to help preserve the environment.