Short Answer: Parking validation is a process where a business or facility offers complimentary or discounted parking to visitors, customers, or employees as a value-added service. The idea is that a customer receives a parking ticket upon entering the parking area. After they visit the establishment, the business provides the validation via coupon, code, or on the online portal. With this validation, the customer pays a discounted price or nothing at all when they exit, introducing a secure, streamlined parking experience.
The Basics of Parking Validation
Parking validation systems operate seamlessly within parking garages, lots, and facilities. Each system may function differently depending on the type of parking garage, business requirements, tenant leases’ and local regulations. However, the main goal remains consistent. When a customer enters a parking facility, they pay the listed price to park there. After visiting a business or facility that offers validation, they either get their physical ticket stamped or provide a validation barcode for electronic systems or through the online tenant portal. This validation is a signal to the parking management system to waive or reduce the parking fee before the customer exits.
Types of Parking Validation
There are several forms of parking validation, from a single validation that offers a flat discount amount on the parking fee to time-based validation where the business covers the cost for a predetermined duration. In many cases, the business will cover the entire cost of parking, making it free for their customers. There are also validation programs that use monthly parking permits, offering customers free parking for an entire month to their employees
Technology Used in Parking Validation Systems
Modern parking lots and facilities leverage advanced technology to automate the validation process and streamline operations:
- Parking Meters
- Pay Stations and Kiosks
- Electronic Validation Systems
- License Plate Recognition Systems
These technologies are effective because they recognize validation barcodes, QR codes, or even customers’ license plates for entry. This not only simplifies the parking experience for users but also ensures a high level of accuracy and security in the transaction process.
In cases where technology isn’t used, parking cashiers may be available at the exit gate. They take the driver’s parking ticket, deduct the discount, and either have them pay or exit for free.
The Role of Parking Validation in Enhancing Security
The primary purpose of parking validation is to provide customers with a stress-free parking experience. However, an understated benefit of this system is the extra layer of security it adds to parking structures.
Monitoring Entry and Exit
These systems streamline the flow of vehicles, essentially creating a more organized and efficient environment. Each parking transaction is tracked from entry to exit, forming a comprehensive record of each vehicle’s journey. This record includes details like the entry time, exit time, and sometimes the license plate number. When a ticket is validated, the system ensures that only authorized vehicles can exit without paying the full parking charge. This controlled process helps keep unauthorized access to a minimum, making parking structures safer for all users.
Advanced Surveillance and Real-Time Monitoring
License plate recognition technologies and surveillance cameras play a role in the security framework of parking facilities. License plate recognition automatically identifies and verifies vehicles entering the garage, which adds an extra layer of security. The LPR system recognizes the car’s license plate and opens the gate if they’re authorized to enter. Surveillance cameras that are placed throughout the facility offer real-time monitoring capabilities. They also detect if any stolen cars or warrants are out for the vehicles on the property, adding a level of security and partnership with local law enforcement. This continuous surveillance helps deter potential security threats and provides valuable footage in the event of an incident.
Validated Parking, Discounted Parking, and Secure Payment Options
The integration of secure digital payment methods in parking validation systems reduces the volume of physical cash, making the transaction process safer for customers and employees. Additionally, damaged or lost tickets are no longer an inconvenience with digital payment methods. Credit card transactions processed through these payment kiosks or online platforms also minimize the chances of fraud or theft.
The concept of validated and discounted parking extends beyond customer service. These parking options provide an assurance that someone’s vehicle is parked at a well-monitored, secure parking facility. With these systems in place, facilities can ensure a safe and secure environment for their customers.
Benefits of Parking Validation for Customers and Parking Facility Owners
Aside from enhancing security, validation systems offer various benefits for different stakeholders, including customers, facility owners, and managers.
Advantages for Customers
For customers, the immediate advantage is the possibility of free or discounted parking. Whether it’s through free parking after making a purchase, flat fees for special events, or discounted parking rates for regular visits, customers appreciate the reduced costs associated with parking and visiting the property. The convenience of having accessible and potentially priority parking spaces also adds to a positive customer experience.
Advantages for Facility Managers & Owners
For the owners and managers of parking operations, parking validation is an effective tool for managing revenue. Since validation requires customers to frequently visit business establishments, it creates a consistent stream of revenue.
Customers are also more likely to return to a place where parking is convenient and cost-effective. This loyalty benefits the parking facility and also the businesses it serves, creating a consistent cycle of increased foot traffic and revenue.
Best Practices for Implementing a Parking Validation Program
A successful parking validation program requires consideration, careful planning, and a clear understanding of the needs of your business and the expectations of your customers. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when setting up a parking validation system:
- Identify Specific Needs: Choose the type of validation system that aligns with your business, whether it’s merchant validation for shoppers who made a purchase, monthly permits for regular visitors, or special event validations.
- Integrate with Other Services: For a holistic approach, integrate parking validation with valet parking, shuttle services, or traffic control services to enhance the customer experience and parking operations.
- Analytics and Feedback: Use analytics to determine peak times, non-busy times, duration of typical visits, etc. This helps you decide if your establishment needs a time-based or flat-rate program. Feedback is also beneficial because it identifies areas for improvement and new opportunities to enhance the service.
National Parking: Elevating Your Parking Experience
As the Southeast’s leading parking management company, National Parking offers a full-service package specializing in valet parking, parking management, and transportation services for class A, retail, and hospitality venues. Our expertise further extends to parking validation services. We implement custom strategies to ensure that customers have a convenient and secure facility to park in.
Our team utilizes innovative technologies and creates solutions to ensure a seamless process for our clients and their customers. By integrating parking validation with our other services, we provide a holistic approach to parking management that meets the needs of businesses and consumers. Request a demo from National Parking today and we’ll help you enhance your facility’s parking security and management.
Resources:
- “Automated License Plate Readers.” GDOT. https://www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/ALPR.aspx
- National Parking. https://national-parking.com/
