The Car Park Security Features Your Business Actually Needs

The Car Park Security Features Your Business Actually Needs

Car park security gets less attention than other aspects of security from small businesses. But that doesn’t mean it’s less important or that there are fewer threats. But for the most part, car park security is overlooked until an incident occurs, then it’s a case of reacting and fighting fires, and being on the back foot.

But there are some ways you can preempt any concerns for your parking lot and improve security all in one fell swoop. It is finding the features that work for your business and deliver the level of security you need to keep your car park, your business and your employees and customers safe.

Let’s take a look at a few.

Automatic Entry Logging

Knowing who is coming and going in your car park is vital. You need timestamped logs that give you the information you need when you need it. An alpr camera system logs exactly this. It catches each vehicle automatically and records the license plate, timestamp, entry and exit, and this is all done without anyone actively managing. Meaning, when you need to find details for any reason, you can find what you need with ease.

Barrier Integration

Barriers are a great way to stop traffic coming and going, and when paired with either manual or automatic checks, they’re even more valuable. Barriers stop free access to car parks. And you can use them in conjunction with ticketing machines, i.e. the visitor needs to obtain a ticket to lift the barrier, or you can use them with your alpr system to allow entry to vehicles with permission to enter without checks. Or you can flag the entry and divert the vehicles for further checks if required.

Adequate Lighting

Poor lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of car park security. But it’s actually integral to improved security.

Without good lighting, cameras can’t capture the details they need clearly to make the footage they record useful. 

Motion-activated lighting at entry and exit points, stairwells and low traffic areas reduces the opportunity for incidents and the likelihood of footage being unusable when you need it the most.

Security Patrols

Security patrols work best when used in conjunction with other tools in this list. A physical patrol can add a presence that your automated system can’t. Sure, you can have a correctly positioned camera, but a physical presence will be an extra deterrent and show people that security is taken seriously and the car park is actively monitored.

Clear Signage and Notices

Signage is your first line of defence, and while it might not seem like an effective security measure, they are. If you’re operating CCTV, you need signage to declare this by law. But clearly displayed notices to state the site is monitored, signs to state that unauthorised vehicles will be removed, or tickets will be issued can prevent errant use of your car park, as can warnings of time restrictions, such as when the car park is locked, means people don’t over stay their welcome and try to use the car park after hours.

Contributed Article.