An attractive parking lot can do wonders for your property’s curb appeal. When cracks have been filled, potholes patched and fresh seal coating applied, your parking lot can have a dark, rich color and a smooth, level surface. However, if you are not having parking lot striping and other pavement markings applied your parking lot will not be as appealing as it could be. In addition, it will be less safe for everyone who drives or walks on your pavement. What you might not realize, however, is that your wallet could be affected by your lack of pavement markings.
Parking Lot Striping & Cost Benefits -Your Revenue
Whether you are responsible for tenant parking at an apartment complex, customer parking at a grocery store or any other type of parking lot, you need to keep drivers content. Unhappy customers tend to gravitate to your competition; unhappy tenants tend to look for alternative accommodations. You might not realize the many ways that an unmarked parking lot could displease drivers.
• Haphazardly parked vehicles can block exits, handicapped ramps and traffic lanes.
• Other vehicles may be parked so closely that drivers have to crawl in on the passenger’s side or even wait for another driver to return.
• A lack of defined parking spaces increases the odds that vehicles will suffer dented doors or scraped paint.
• Visitors may feel that missing pavement markings make it dangerous to walk to and from their cars or could increase the chance of being involved in an accident.
You Could Face Legal Repercussions
If your parking lot does not have the proper markings, you could find yourself embroiled in a legal dispute.
• If your parking lot does not have the markings required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, you could be fined. There have also been several lawsuits filed against businesses with parking lots that did not provide the mandatory access, including adequate parking spaces and safe paths of travel between the business and handicapped spaces.
• Drivers whose vehicles are damaged due to insufficient markings may expect you to compensate them for the damage. A few of them might even file a lawsuit over the issue. However, if an individual is seriously injured, the chances that he or she will sue you are excellent. You may have adequate insurance to cover your liabilities, but you can face a rate hike that could take a bite out of your profits.
• Your failure to comply with local ordinances could also lead to fines. For example, if you do not mark the lanes used for emergency responders, you could be fined.
Other Ways That Unmarked Lots May Affect Your Business
Unmarked parking lots could be costing you money in ways that you might not have considered.
• Without parking lot striping, you probably cannot fit as many cars into the space. Drivers will park as they choose, often taking twice as much space as they need. If customers cannot find a parking space, they will likely go to another store.
• In some instances, illegally parked vehicles will have to be towed. If you do not have the proper markings, for example, drivers may not realize that they are parking in a fire lane or bus lane. If their vehicles are towed, they are not going to think kindly of you, especially after they learn how much they must pay the towing company to retrieve their vehicles.
Parking lot striping and pavement markings are economical and can be applied with little disruption to your traffic. At MH Greeson Paving, we can help you make your parking lot ADA-compliant, safer and more attractive. Our services in Atlanta and the surrounding areas include sealcoating, parking lot markings, asphalt paving, crack repairs, asphalt patching, traffic signs, car stops and bollards. We deliver quality results at affordable rates. If you have questions about Parking Lot Striping & Cost Benefits or would like to request a free quote, complete the online form or call (770) 335-2983.
