Robot Parkers are here

AI generated photo of an Autonomous car being tested out.

The other day I saw a video of someone driving into a shopping center parking lot. The person got out of the car at the front of the store, and the car, with no driver, went ahead and parked the car all by itself. Because I was not sure if this robot parker was real, I searched the internet and found several videos where people were both testing out these kinds of cars and simply already using them or driving them. Not sure how to phrase that.
As we approach the era of autonomous vehicles, property managers need to consider how their parking lots will accommodate both traditional and self-driving cars. While fully autonomous vehicles are still a minority on our roads, it’s crucial to prepare for their increasing presence.

Self-driving cars rely heavily on visual cues to navigate and park such as parking lot striping. Faded or unclear markings can confuse these systems, potentially leading to errors or hesitation. Property managers should aim to create parking lots that are welcoming and easy to navigate for all vehicles, including autonomous ones.

The Role of Proper Flow and Markings
Clear directional arrows and other pavement markings are crucial for guiding both self-driving cars and human drivers:
• Arrows indicate traffic flow and reduce confusion
• Stop lines and crosswalks enhance pedestrian safety
• Clearly marked parking spaces optimize lot capacity
These elements work together to create a safer, more efficient parking environment for all users.

Preparing for the Future
While autonomous vehicles are not yet widespread, forward-thinking property managers should consider their impact on parking design:

• Autonomous vehicles may park more closely together, potentially increasing lot capacity
• Drop-off and pick-up zones may become more important than traditional parking spaces
• Parking structures may need to be adaptable for future repurposing
By maintaining well-marked parking lots now, property managers can ensure their facilities are ready for the gradual transition to autonomous vehicles.

AI generated photo. “Autonomous Cars using markings to park in Shopping Center”

The Benefits of Being Prepared
Staying ahead of the curve offers several advantages:
1. Attracting tech-savvy customers and tenants
2. Avoiding the reputation of being “that parking lot” where autonomous vehicles struggle
3. Ensuring compliance with future regulations and standards such as Handicap markings
4. Demonstrating a commitment to innovation and safety
Don’t let your parking lot become obsolete in the age of autonomous vehicles. Invest in clear, bold line markings, and proper parking lot flow indicators today to prepare for the future of transportation.