The Joy of Building

Do you want to maximize the efficiency, safety, or occupancy in your parking lot? Then you need to know about the impact parking stall angle has on all three goals. To help you do this, here's a guide to the strengths of each main style of stall angle.

1. Perpendicular Angle

The perpendicular parking stall sits at a 90-degree angle from the driving lane. It's one of the most commonly used and is often the simplest to lay out in a given space. Because traffic can park from either side, it allows for two-way traffic. This maximizes the number of vehicles that can come and go at any given time. However, it may also increase the chance of driver and pedestrian conflicts. 

It's great for parking lots in which cars arrive at the same time and stay for longer periods (like employee parking lots). The main reason is that quick parking is not the main goal of long-term parking spaces. And because there's less in-and-out car traffic, additional potential accidents from two-way traffic are less of a concern. 

2. Steep Angle

Angled parking lots come in two primary varieties. The more common is a steep angle. The angle permits drivers to pull right into a space without having to widen their approach. So the main driving route between rows of stalls can be narrower. Cars can also enter and exit the spaces more easily, reducing accidents.

It does, though, require one-way traffic. This is a benefit in that it slows down traffic and minimizes accidents — especially as everything happens in only one direction. However, the spaces need more room and aren't always as efficient a use of the overall layout. 

3. Shallow Angle

Rarely, you will see a parking lot with more shallow angles to their stalls. The main reason to decrease the angle is to accommodate unusual shapes in the lot. Shallow angles result in longer and more narrow parking lanes, which can help you recoup some unused space in the overall lot. In addition, they allow for quicker parking and exits from the stalls because cars turn less. 

Where to Learn More

Clearly, each method of stall design has its own goals and challenges. Which is right for you? This depends on many factors, including the amount of car and foot traffic, turnover in parking spaces, and the size and shape of your lot. Start by learning more about each design feature. Meet with a parking lot design and construction professional, such as Rocky Mountain Pavement, in your area today to begin.