It’s a conundrum facing many Cities. How do you get 85% occupancy when there are less than 60% of all spaces actually being used?

How do you control parking when there aren’t enough vehicles to get past?

The answer is to break the city into zones and manage the parking occupancy in the zone separately, then set a wider ‘working’ occupancy goal of about 60% to 85%. Don’t use too narrow a ‘band’ around the 85% target, as it’s almost impossible to achieve at this stage where there is a lot of vacancy. Zone management then gives you the ability to relocate vehicles around the city by pricing to affect the local activity level in that local zone, for the purpose of maximising the utilisation of the parking resource. You may be able to offer higher prices where there is a PT choice (by removing supply), higher prices where there is over-use such as on the western edge of the Christchurch CBD today. You can also start to remove spaces for the purposes of better landscaping or other mode changes.

We also know that we need to create and administer an operational system that will be flexible enough, over time, to deal with the current situation where there is too much supply; then change to a system where the developments have occurred and we have a under-supply.

The final step if you like, is where the city is fully back to normal and congestion is occurring and mode shift needs a bit of a boost, as most cities require a mode shift in their transport plans these days. To get the required mode shift, we may need to put in the plans that a desire that public car parks are all managed to a guide of 85% but also private car park resources (don’t know how to enforce it yet) are also managed to 85%. That will see a large reduction in extra car parks, the combining of car parks by neighbours and the use of car parks for other uses.

Rest smart parking lot management systems can help in the parking management a lot. Such systems can make your efforts less and can manage to park easily.

So you’re starting a valet service. You founded your company, got insured and even booked your first account…now what? You better get some parking equipment! Below is a basic checklist for all the parking supplies you might need to start your new business off on the right foot.

Valet Podium – As a valet company, your job is to make a lasting impression. A nice looking valet podium will give you a professional appearance and help you store and organize keys quickly and securely. You may also want to consider an umbrella to compliment your podium and a podium cover for protection during storage. In some cases a metal or wood key box might be all you need to store your customer’s keys securely.

Marquee Signs – Signage is a great way to direct traffic and guide your customers so they know exactly where to go. Sign holders and Marquee Stands are great tools for directing traffic. You can also mount signage to your podium to advertise rates or your company logo. Having a few signs to direct traffic or advertise rates to your customers will add to the professionalism of your valet operation.

Valet Tickets – Valet tickets are essential to running a valet operation smoothly. Typically a valet ticket either has 3, 4 or 5 parts to it. Make sure you have the ticket that suits your location best. Custom tickets with your company logo can be a nice extra touch.

Radios – For larger operations it may make sense to invest in a few two way radios for your team. This will keep your team working as a cohesive unit and can improve your team’s customer service.

Parking Equipment – Other equipment to consider that can help your operation flow smoothly include parking cones, delineators, LED wands, and traffic vests.

By making an investment in some or all of these items, you are setting yourself up for success in the valet industry. You can also use valet parking software system to manage your parking lot. Just be sure to consider buying certain items in bulk as you continue to scale your business and expand to new locations.

Once you’ve covered this checklist, your valets will be prepared to impress.

For the best selection of parking equipment, custom marquee signs, and valet podiums head over to The Valet Spot, the #1 provider of valet equipment on the internet.