Part 13: Parking control

Last updated: December 2007. This document ceases to be a controlled document when printed. Please refer to the current version at www.landtransport.govt.nz

5  Design elements

5.5  Car park design

5.5.1  Geometry

The layout and geometric characteristics of parking facilities are important factors for both usability and safety of the facility. Further information on specific geometric uses can be referenced from AS/NZS 2890.1, AS 2890.2 and AS 2890.5. In summary, factors that should be considered when designing parking areas include:

• horizontal and vertical alignment
• provision of parking spaces where sight visibility is not adequate
• tracking paths for vehicles entering into and leaving from angled parking spaces
• surface condition and slope of parking spaces
• the location of the parking facility access: these should be located in areas where there is adequate sight distance along the main road from the car park access. This is particularly important in rural areas, given the high speeds of approaching vehicles and time required by heavy vehicles to accelerate and exit from the parking facility
• location of street furniture in relation to parking spaces
• location of disabled parking and ramps in relation to buildings and access to destinations
• pedestrian and mobility device access within the parking area (see below).

5.5.2  Pedestrians and mobility devices

Consideration must be given to providing a friendly environment for pedestrians and mobility devices free from (or with a limited number of) obstructions. Personal security issues such as lighting, clear paths and the provision of security systems should be considered as part of a design. See section 4.2 on urban design considerations.

5.5.3  Surface condition of the parking space

The surface of a parking space or area should be relatively flat, formed and free from any obstructions that may cause harm to road users.

For people with disabilities, ‘the surface condition shall consist of an unobstructed area having a firm plane surface, all at one level, with a fall not exceeding 1:40 in either direction of parking or at 90 degrees to it, or 1:33 if the surface has a bitumen seal’ (AS 2890.5: 1993). If possible, however, a gradient of 1:50 is preferred.

Coloured road surfaces can also be provided to reinforce the use of reserved parking spaces by disabled users. It is recommended blue be used to help better identify parking spaces reserved for disabled road users. This is a common feature overseas. In addition, the disabled parking symbol specified in Part 3 Schedule 2 of the TCD Rule (M3-5) should be marked.

5.5.4  Lighting and security

When designing either on- or off-road parking facilities, security of those using the facilities must be taken into consideration to ensure poor design does not hinder or limit the use of the facility (eg drivers being unwilling to use a car park due to personal or vehicle security concerns). The following should be considered when developing parking areas:

• adequate and consistent lighting
• design of open spaces where those entering or leaving vehicles are not walking through narrow areas where lighting is insufficient
• limited vegetation that can provide cover
• provision of security surveillance systems.

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