When an Architect or an Engineer is designing Roads; he must take care that he designs the required Parking Areas as per the requirement and the study of the traffic in that area.
The Parking Methods play a major role in controlling traffic and avoid chaotic confusion and traffic jams because of lack of Parking facility.
On the basis of the style of Parking Areas, there are two major types of Parking:
- On Street Parking
- Off Street Parking
In my earlier article, we discussed;
- Means of Access and Design factors to be considered for the design of roads
- Important elements to be considered in Road Design
- Types of Road Junctions
In this article, we will discuss “Types of Parking in detail” which will help us figure out the efficient way to designing Parking areas for Highways, Arterial roads, sub-arterial roads etc.
On Street Parking
As the name itself suggests, “On-street Parking” means the area allotted for Parking purpose at the sides of the roads. For efficiency in Parking system; the On street Parking is divided into two types:
- Angular Parking
- Parallel Parking
- Perpendicular Parking (efficient Parking Method)
Parallel Parking System
The vehicles are parked one behind the other. The Parking lot is designed as per the area required if Parallel Parking is adopted. It has been surveyed that the area required for Parallel Parking is much lesser that required for Angular Parking. Therefore, more number of vehicles can be parked in this Parking System. For this reason, this Parking system is generally adopted.
The vehicles are parked at an angle. It may be a 30 degree angle or 45 degree. The vehicles can be easily reversed if parked at an angle. Hence, proving as an efficient Parking System in case of vehicular circulation.
The major drawback of “Angular Parking System” is that it requires larger space for parking than required for Parallel Parking. Hence this system is adopted where the space is available in plenty.
The vehicles are parked at right angle to the road. It is an efficient system of Parking.
Off Street Parking
As the name suggests, Off street Parking means a Parking Area is designed adjacent to the Road or in a place or building which is not the part of the road.
Here are some of the examples of Off Street Parking:
- Parking lots
- Bypass road
- Multistory Building Garage
- Parking Lanes