Parking space

Parking in Vevey, Switzerland.

A parking space is a location that is designated for parking, either paved or unpaved.

Parking spaces can be in a parking garage, in a parking lot or on a city street. It is usually designated by a white-paint-on-tar rectangle indicated by three lines at the top, left and right of the designated area. The automobile fits inside the space, either by parallel parking, perpendicular parking or angled parking.

Depending on the location of the parking space, there can be regulations regarding the time allowed to park and a fee paid to use the parking space. When the demand for spaces outstrips supply vehicles may overspill park onto the sidewalk, grass verges and other places which were not designed for the purpose.

Space size

Parking spaces in an American parking lot.

The typical small or compact space is about 25 square metres (270 sq ft), while the average space is about 30 square metres (320 sq ft). Note that this area includes the area for parking space plus the circulation areas, end of aisle areas/landscaping.

Angled or perpendicular parking spaces range from 2.3 to 2.75 metres (7.5–9.0 ft) wide by 3.2 to 5.5 metres (10–18 ft) long. The choice of specific parking dimensions depends upon the function of the parking - the greater the use of the space (high turnover) and/or more retail customer in nature - the larger dimensions are commonly utilized.

A typical parking space adjacent to the curb (parallel) is 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) wide by 6.1 metres (20 ft) long. Parallel spaces are commonly marked 2.1 to 2.4 metres (6.9–7.9 ft) wide. The length of parallel spaces are commonly marked 6.7 to 7.9 metres (22–26 ft) long to account for entry and exit maneuvering.

Barriers

Paid bike parking in Shibuya, Tokyo

Parking spaces commonly contain a barrier which is used to prevent cars from pulling too far into the space and obstructing a neighboring parking space, curb, or sidewalk.

This barrier is usually made of concrete and will normally be a horizonatal bar to stop the tires from moving forward or a vertical bar that may cause damage to the vehicle if contact is made. In a parking garage, the barrier will often be a concrete wall.

Disabled parking spaces

An example of a disabled parking place.

Some parking spaces are reserved as handicapped parking, for individuals with disabilities. Handicapped parking spaces are typically marked with the International Symbol of Access, though in practice, the design of the symbol varies widely.

In the United States the Access Board provides guidelines on parking spaces in the Accessible Rights-of-Way: A Design Guide, Revised Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Right-of-Way and ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG).

US curb markings

Curb markings in the United States are prescribed by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Local highway agencies may prescribe special colors for curb markings to supplement standard signs for parking regulation. California has designated an array of colors for curb regulations. A white curb designates passenger pick up or drop off. The green curb is for time limited parking. The yellow curb is for loading, and the blue curb is for disabled persons with proper vehicle identification. The red curb is for emergency vehicles only - fire lanes (no stopping, standing, or parking). In Oregon and Florida, the yellow curb is utilized to indicate no parking. In Georgia either red or yellow can be used to indicate no parking. In Seattle, Washington, alternating red and yellow curb markings indicate a bus stop.

External links

• US Color Curbs Defined

• Search for free parking space in UK