The importance of car park signs
Generally, car parks are considered to be safer than roads due to reduced travelling speeds. Despite slower driving speeds, accidents, leading to both injuries and property damage, occur in car parks daily.
In August 2021, Reuters international news agency reported how seven pedestrians – an adult and six children – were injured and hospitalised after a car collided with them in southern England. The Department of Transport reported that 1,752 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents in 2019. These numbers include fatalities in car park accidents.
Incidents such as these highlights the importance of proper car park regulations and adequate safety signs. Relevant and appropriate car park safety signs can help to establish traffic rules and improve the overall safety of workplace and business car parks.
Legislation regulating car park signage
Car park signs are an effective method of regulating pedestrian and vehicle traffic to improve safety. Signs inform people about important aspects such as speed limits, traffic direction or travel, and where to park. It also gives car park owners a legal footing to stand on should accidents occur.
Different regulations govern private and public car parks. Public parking spaces fall under local councils, which determine the rules for parking in these spaces. In contrast, agreements between landowners and drivers govern the rules of private car parks.
The British Parking Association (BPA) concluded that car parks belonging to places such as supermarkets, hospitals, schools, and leisure centres are often located on privately-owned land. As such, laws of contract or trespass regulate these spaces.
The Occupiers Liability Act 1984 determines that the occupiers or owners of car parks associated with any business or public place have a duty to keep these properties reasonably safe. This means these owners and occupiers can be held liable for accidents or other unlawful incidents occurring in car parks.
Important car park signs
Car park signs depend on several factors, such as the:
- Size of the car park. Smaller car parks require less signage than larger ones.
- Purpose of the car park. Some parking spaces, such as those at hospitals and clinics, require additional signage indicating spaces for emergency vehicles and personnel.
- Location of the car park. If a car park is adjacent to a business, people can easily access the location. There are however instances where certain pedestrian signs are needed in the case of road crossings.
Ordinarily, a private car park will have a sign at the entrance displaying who the parking is for, any applicable charges payable, and parking time limits. Other important car park safety signs may include:
- Height limits.
- Speed bump warnings.
- Speed limit signs.
- Parking spaces for disabled people.
- Inter-parking stop signs and other traffic regulation signage.
- Directional signs indicating traffic flow or where to go to find places such as office or reception areas.
- Designated parking bay signs showing where cars, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles may park.
Owners and occupiers of car parks must ensure that signs are not obscured by buildings or plant life but remain visible at all times.
Directional and speed control signage effectively regulates car park traffic, which significantly decreases the chances of accidents. Unauthorised parking signs empower car park owners and occupiers to take action, such as clamping wheels, when cars park illegally. Pedestrian signs protect those on foot and demarcate specific areas and walkways where they can move safely.
Size requirements of car park signs
The size of car park signs is crucial and must be both visible and easy to understand. The British Parking Association Code 2021 stipulates that signs detailing terms and conditions must be at least 450mm by 450mm. This enables people to see and interpret signs from a distance and adjust their speeds or other reactions in time.
Location of car park signs
The location of car park signs is essential because hidden or obscured signs serve no purpose. As stated, a sign at the entrance should summarise the rules of the car park and detail the terms and conditions of use.
It is important to place signs at a height where they are visible and easily readable. People can miss signs located in or near trees and bushes. Car park signs that are too low or too high are also not easy to spot. The owners and occupiers of car parks should keep in mind that strategically placed signs not only improve safety but also protect them in case of legal actions.
Other aspects to consider regarding car park signage
Apart from correct size and strategic location, other factors also affect the visibility of car park signs. These are:
- Clean signs: It is important to keep car park signs clean as dirty or muddy signs are not easy to read or interpret.
- Lighting: Car park signs must be well-lit, especially when the car park is used during the night. Often daytime weather conditions also require additional lighting.
- Weatherproofing: Car park signs are often exposed to the elements. Weatherproof signs are robust and longer-lasting.
Seton stocks a comprehensive range of car park signs suitable for any business and parking space. Browse our wide selection to improve overall workplace safety and prevent car park accidents.