You’ve probably never thought much about the carpark lighting in your local shopping centre or apartment building, or how quality lighting improves your experience.
But from the moment you enter a carpark, particularly a multi-level structure, a well-lit environment is imperative for safety and sustainability.
Let’s look at why carpark lighting is vital to your building and business.
Why is carpark lighting so important?
There’s one interesting thing about parking lot lighting – most people don’t notice its quality unless it is bad. If a carpark is well-lit, drivers and pedestrians find it easy to navigate – and they also feel safe. On the other hand, if it is poorly lit, people feel unsafe and the rate of crime and accidents can increase.
A well-lit carpark can enhance safety and security and improve aesthetics, attracting potential customers to your apartment building or business. It sends a clear message to people that your business is open and they can come in to shop.
The carpark is an extension of your business premises and gives your customers and visitors a first impression of your business, whether good or bad. Good lighting speaks volumes about your apartment complex or business as a whole, but there are more reasons why high-quality lighting in your parking lot is so important. Here are four.
It saves you money
We could wax lyrical for pages about how much you can save switching from traditional lighting to LED, but this table pretty much says it all. We’ve had clients go from paying $6 per hour to just 50 cents per hour for electricity, and saving up to 95 per cent!
It helps prevent accidents
Countless accidents happen every year in carparks. As people walk in unfamiliar territory, they can easily slip, fall, or get seriously injured if the lighting is bad. Those driving in the parking lot may be unable to see clearly and may crash into objects or collide with other vehicles.
If you manage an apartment building or have a business in a commercial building, it’s up to you to keep the space in good condition. This doesn’t just mean cleaning up spills or filling in floor cracks, it means providing good lighting both indoors and outdoors. If someone has an accident on your premises, you may be held liable. Some businesses have been sued because people got injured or tripped due to inadequate lighting.
People driving in your parking area should be able to see pedestrians, other vehicles, potholes and other obstacles. The better pedestrians and drivers can see when they are in your carpark, the lower the likelihood of accidents. Proper illumination helps pedestrians and drivers to see well enough to avoid situations that could lead to accidents. It also prevents people from getting lost as they visit your premises.
It lowers the crime rate
If a criminal is scoping out your apartment building or business premises with the intent of vandalising or breaking in, they will be less likely to carry out their plan if the building is well-lit both indoors and outdoors. Crime and darkness go hand in hand. Criminals are more likely to conduct their criminal activities in a dark area because it keeps them hidden and they can carry out their work without being seen.
When your customers, visitors and employees are unable to detect any movement in the parking lot, they can easily get assaulted or mugged. Their vehicles may also be broken into or stolen without the knowledge of the security staff (as surveillance cameras will be unable to capture video footage clearly).
High-quality parking lighting can make the area safer for your visitors, customers, employees and business associates and reduce your legal exposure. It is also a great way of showing your friends and customers that they are always welcome at your premises no matter the time of day.
It reflects well on your business
Installing high-quality LED lighting is an excellent way to advertise your business. Just like the interior, the exterior of your business premises reflects your company and its values. Good lighting makes your clients, employees and business associates see your company as a warm and welcoming place.
When your carpark is poorly lit, your customers’ confidence in your business can decrease and fewer people visit your business premises at night, which may have a negative impact on your sales. Just one incident of violence, theft, or assault can lose the trust of your customers and employees – which is the last thing you want.If you use video surveillance, high-quality LED lights will allow your cameras to capture better footage, enhancing the security. Think of your business, the bottom line, the area’s safety and security, and the people who sustain your business – your customers and employees. Make them feel cared for, not neglected.
To enquire about updating your lighting, contact Trackie Industries.