Parking problems in social housing: tips and advice

Parking problems are a common but often overlooked dilemma in many housing associations. In this post, we'll explore some common parking issues we often encounter, review effective solutions, and share how digital tools can simplify management and improve the parking experience for all concerned.

Parking in a BRF: common problems and solutions 

From a shortage of parking spaces to poor signage, parking errors and lack of security and surveillance. Let's dive into the most common problems associations often face, and suggest measures that can solve these problems in a smooth way.

⭕ Common problem #1: Lack of parking spaces

Too few parking spaces in relation to the number of residents in the community often creates frustration and stress. Residents are forced to search for a long time for a space, which disrupts their routines. Uneven availability of parking spaces can also lead to benefits for some members while others are left without. Administrators in turn face an increased workload dealing with complaints and trying to find quick solutions to current problems.

✅ Solutions

• Optimize parking: Consider building more parking spaces through parking optimization. This often involves using unused land or redesigning existing spaces to accommodate more people.
• Digital solutions: Implement efficient parking systems with real-time data to fully understand the use of available spaces, and identify patterns that can inform the need for more spaces.

⭕ Common problem #2: Parking violations

Parking in reserved spaces or around entrances and exits creates major problems for residents, who are then prevented from parking near their homes. It can also block important entrances for suppliers, for example, and lead to conflicts. In these cases, administrators have to monitor and act as conflict resolvers, which is both time and resource consuming.

✅ Solutions

• Digital solutions: Use digital monitoring systems that automatically identify and report parking violations, including through license plate recognition (ANPR).
• Clear signs and markings: Make sure all parking rules are clearly indicated with relevant signs and markings.
• Follow up with fines or warnings: Implement a system to administer fines for parking violations or issue warnings.

⭕ Common problem #3: Overloading

Congestion occurs when too many cars fight for few parking spaces, leading to congestion and frustration. When demand exceeds supply, managing the parking area becomes even more difficult. Administrators then need to put in place rules and strategies to reduce congestion.

✅ Solutions

• Parking management: Enlist the help of a parking manager to introduce a flexible system to manage and allocate parking spaces based on need, such as introducing time-limited or reserved spaces.
• Carpools: Encourage the use of carpools or shared transportation solutions to reduce the number of cars that need to park.
• Digital solutions: Implement digital parking permits where members can keep track of their allocated space via an app, or where they can book and reserve parking spaces in advance.

⭕ Common problem #4: Insufficient guest parking

Lack of guest parking makes it difficult for residents to welcome visitors, and guests are often forced to park in unauthorized places, leading to fines and conflicts. This has a negative impact on the experience of both residents and guests. 

✅ Solutions

• Reserved guest spaces: Implement dedicated areas for guest parking and ensure that these are sufficient for the need.
• Flexible rules: Allow residents to apply for temporary parking permits for guests if needed.
• Digital solutions: Use a digital platform to manage and reserve guest parking spaces, so that guests can easily find and use available spaces.

⭕ Common problem #5: Poor planning and layout

Poorly designed parking areas with unclear markings and tight spaces make parking difficult and cause damage to other vehicles. Administrators then have to deal with complaints and consider costly redesigns to improve the layout.

✅ Solutions

• Restructuring: Carry out an evaluation and restructuring of the parking layout to improve flow and efficiency.
• Professional advice: Consult with parking management experts to see how the parking area can best be used.
• Digital solutions: Use digital tools for parking optimization and simulation to plan and visualize improvements before implementation.

⭕ Common problem #6: Lack of monitoring and security

Lack of surveillance can create an unsafe environment where residents feel unsafe. Without effective surveillance, vandalism and parking violations, among others, become common, affecting security. Administrators have to invest in and maintain surveillance systems, which in turn is costly and time-consuming.

✅ Solutions

• Surveillance systems: Install cameras and good lighting to improve security and surveillance of parking areas.
• Regular monitoring: carry out regular inspections and follow-ups to address problems quickly.
• Digital solutions: Implement a digital monitoring system with real-time monitoring to quickly address issues.

⭕ Common problem #7: Maintenance problems

Poor maintenance of parking areas, with cracks in the ground, poorly maintained signage and weak lighting, can cause damage to vehicles and create safety hazards. This leads to residents experiencing discomfort and dissatisfaction with the poor environment, and administrators need to budget for regular maintenance and repairs to ensure safety and quality.

✅ Solutions

• Regular maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance of parking areas to repair cracks and other damage. You can also entrust the maintenance of the parking area to a parking manager who will take care of it.
• Snow removal and cleaning: Maintain good snow removal and cleaning practices to ensure that parking areas are in good condition all year round.
• Digital solutions: Use a digital platform to report and track maintenance issues so they can be addressed quickly and efficiently.

⭕ Common problem #8: Inefficient parking permit management

Difficulties in administering parking permits can cause confusion and mistakes for residents and administrators. Residents may experience problems obtaining or renewing permits, which creates frustration. In addition, inefficient management of parking permits requires a lot of manual work from administrators. 

✅ Solutions

• Centralized administration: Implement a system to manage parking permits centrally.
• Streamlining: Automate processes for applying for, renewing and tracking parking permits.
• Digital solutions: Use a digital platform to manage parking permits, including application, approval and follow-up.

⭕ Common problem #9: Seasonal problems

Snow and ice during winter can exacerbate parking problems in an area by reducing accessibility and creating dangerous conditions. Residents may have difficulty finding parking when spaces are blocked or difficult to navigate, leading to increased stress and frustration. 

✅ Solutions

• Seasonal adjustments: Adjust parking rules and resources according to the season, for example by increasing maintenance and snow removal during winter.
• Planning: anticipate seasonal problems and plan actions in advance.
• Digital solutions: Use digital platforms to inform about seasonal changes and updates in real time.

⭕ Common problem #10: Access to parking spaces for disabled people

Insufficient parking spaces for disabled people can lead to access problems and complaints. The lack can prevent people with disabilities from parking near their homes and negatively affect their daily lives. This can also create legal and social challenges for the association. Administrators must ensure that there are enough reserved spaces as required by law.

✅ Solutions

• Special places: Make sure there are enough parking spaces adapted for people with disabilities and that they are strategically placed near entrances.
• Regulations: Follow current legislation and guidelines on access to parking spaces for disabled people.
• Digital solutions: Use digital tools to reserve and manage parking spaces for disabled people, including easily accessible information on their availability.

How Parkit can help your housing association

Parkit is your expert partner when it comes to solving parking problems in housing associations. We offer tailored, digital solutions that simplify parking management and optimize revenue. Our innovative parking system makes it easy to manage everything from parking space shortages to parking errors and congestion. By integrating our technology, your association can streamline parking management and create a smoother experience for all parties involved, and for residents in the area.