Installing speed bumps in a public parking lot is often considered a knee-jerk reaction to prevent visitors from speeding. Mitigating the risk of accidents is essential, but speed bumps can also pose a safety hazard if improperly installed. If you don’t see the speed bump, you could hit it too fast and damage your car – or worse, injure yourself.
Consider the factors below before installing speed bumps in your public parking lot:
What’s Your Purpose?
Are speed bumps the only measure you’re taking to prevent accidents? If not, what other safety measures have you put in place? Your purpose will define the type of speed bumps you need.
If the speed bumps are a visual deterrent, then any speed bump will do. However, if you’re looking to slow people down, you’ll want to choose speed bumps with specific features. For instance, rubber speed bumps are designed to absorb impact and slow vehicles down gradually. They are also maintenance-free and pose minor damage to vehicles.
What Material and Style Suits Your Facility Best?
Speed bumps come in various materials. The most common speed bump materials are rubber, asphalt, and concrete. Each has a different lifespan, maintenance requirements, and price tag.
Similarly, there are different styles of speed bumps. Square, circular, rumble stripes, and rubber speed ramps are all popular choices. Depending on your facility’s needs, some speed bump styles will be more suitable than others.
What Type of Vehicles Use Your Parking Lot?
The type of vehicles that frequent your public parking lot will also dictate the kind of speed bumps you need. For instance, if you have a lot of large trucks going in and out, you’ll want speed bumps that can accommodate their weight and size. It will ensure minimum maintenance requirements and that your speed bumps last long. Plastic speed bumps are a durable option for lots with larger vehicles.
Consider the Layout of Your Parking Lot
How big is your parking lot? Is it mainly used for employee vehicles or customer vehicles? What is the average speed limit in your area? These are all important factors because they determine the type and number of speed bumps you’ll need for your parking lot. You don’t want to put too many speed bumps and make it difficult for people to navigate, but you also don’t want too few speed bumps and not achieve the desired effect.
Do You Want a Permanent or a Temporary Solution?
Another thing to consider is whether you want a permanent or temporary solution. Rubber speed bumps are a popular temporary solution because they can be removed and reused as needed. For example, if you have a construction project underway in your parking lot, you might want to use rubber speed bumps to control traffic flow during that time.
Pros of Temporary Speed Bumps:
- Easy to install
- Relatively cheap
- Can be removed and reused
Pros of Permanent Speed Bumps:
- Can withstand heavier traffic
- More effective at slowing down traffic
- Can be customized to your specific needs
- Aesthetically pleasing (if done right!)
Conclusion:
If you’re considering installing speed bumps in your parking lot, make sure to keep the above in mind. Proline Parking Lot Maintenance, the Greater Charlotte Area’s #1 Pavement Maintenance Company, can help you with the process – from assessing your needs to installing the bumps expertly and maintaining them. We proudly serve Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas.
