How Can I Control What Cars Enter And Exit My Parking Lot?

To keep a parking lot safe, you’ll need more than a parking attendant, especially if your parking lot is around a high-security area such as a hospital, government building, or manufacturing plant. And if you think drivers are more cautious in parking areas, the opposite is true. The National Safety Counsel created a survey where 66% of drivers said they make phone calls while driving through parking lots. If you are trying to stop people from entering the wrong way or going in the wrong direction, you’ll need physical barriers to stop distracted drivers. You can use traffic spikes or manual swing gates to help you get the point across.

What are Traffic Spikes?

If you have never used a traffic spike, this device limits traffic in one direction. The spikes sink when a vehicle enters, but if they try to exit the same way, they will slice through tires and cause significant damage. This is a great way to make sure cars do not try to exit the wrong way. Usually, when using traffic spikes, you may need to set up a warning sign and speed bump to let others know that you are using a traffic spike on your property. There are two different types of traffic spikes. One is surface-mounted, while the other is an in-ground traffic spike.

Surface Mounted Traffic Spike

The surface-mounted traffic spike can be used as a speed bump to warn cars that traffic flow should follow a recommended 5 MPH. Another benefit of a surface-mounted traffic spike is that no excavating or asphalt cutting is needed. These traffic spikes are created with ¼” thick hot-rolled steel.

In-Ground Flush Mounted Traffic Spike

The in-ground traffic spike has a low profile that will allow smooth passage for vehicles. Since these do not include a speed bump like their counterparts, the in-ground traffic spike can be used alongside a speed bump for additional safety features. Plus, if you ever need to replace something, you do not need to purchase an entire unit and can replace the one-foot top plate module assembly.

Warning Signs For Traffic Spikes

Another addition other than a speed bump for your traffic spike, is a warning sign. Warning signs are 2-way reflective and warn that cars should travel at 5 MPH before crossing a traffic spike. These signs are essential to use with a speed bump so vehicles know about the upcoming traffic spike.

When it comes to safety in your parking lot, traffic spikes can help you clearly mark where entrances and exits are.

Manual Single Leaf Swing Barrier Gates

Suppose you are not looking for traffic spikes and prefer a more straightforward way to stop unwanted entry to your parking lot. If you have a parking attendant and do not have a lot of traffic in your parking lot, a manual swing leaf barrier gate could help you monitor who comes in and out. These gates come in surface mount and in-ground gate versions. They are galvanized and created in the United States. Plus, if you need to add reflective tape for Department Of Transportation regulations, you can add Oralite tape to complete your swing gate opener setup.

Where Can I Use Traffic Spikes And Swing Barrier Gates?

Not only can these be used in parking lots, but you can also use traffic spikes in:

• Driveways
• Controlled Vehicle Access
• To Signify Narrow Lanes

If you are looking for ways to use a manual barrier gate, you can use it in:

• Forestry Areas
• Military Facilities
• Residential Fields
• Commercial Manufacturing Plants

Ways To Control Cars Entering And Exiting An Area

If you are still trying to figure out how traffic spikes or manual swing gates work or would like to learn more about them, you can find more information in the resource hub. There is information on traffic spikes, DOT regulations for swing-style barrier gates, and a guide to choosing the correct manual swing gate.