By Vincent Campagna, PTMP

Parking lot safety is at the top of many parking professional’s priority list—and for good reason. However, addressing safety concerns can often be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive.

As parking professionals, we’re expected to find smart, effective solutions that improve safety, enhance customer satisfaction, and—ideally—increase revenue. And if we’re being honest, we’re often asked to do it on a tight budget… and with a deadline of “tomorrow.”

With that reality in mind, here are some low-cost or no-cost ideas to help you improve the safety of your parking facility—without breaking the bank.

No-Cost

1. Conduct a Safety Walkthrough

  • Schedule monthly or quarterly walkthroughs of the parking facility.
  • Bring colleagues—more eyes mean more issues caught.
  • Use a simple checklist to document issues such as:
    • Burnt-out or misaligned lights
    • Potholes or cracked pavement
    • Leaking pipes, spalling concrete, or drainage problems
    • Faded line striping or signage
    • Obstructions or tripping hazards
  • Take photos and record observations, then present findings—along with recommendations and estimated costs—to building ownership as a value-added service.

2. Maximize Existing Conditions

  • Conduct a nighttime lighting review to check for dark spots; re-aim fixtures if needed.
  • Clean light fixture lenses to improve brightness—dust, cobwebs, and grime reduce output.
  • Remove and put away any cones, barricades, or objects that may cause tripping or confusion.
  • If entrance mats or carpet runners are used, ensure your team regularly checks for bunching or curling, which can be hazardous.
  • Trim overgrown bushes or landscaping that obstruct visibility or create blind spots.

3. Implement Staff Training

  • Develop and maintain site and job-specific safety training for all staff.
  • Train team members to:
    • Identify and report potential hazards immediately
    • Monitor for loitering and suspicious activity
    • Understand site-specific emergency protocols
  • Reinforce safety as part of daily operations—not just during incidents.

4. Strengthen Communication with Building Security & Ownership

  • Establish clear protocols with building security or management for incident reporting and hazard response.
  • Coordinate with tenants to share seasonal or situational “Safety Tips” (e.g., winter driving, walking safely at night).
  • Keep tenants and staff informed about any changes in traffic flow or parking closures to avoid confusion and reduce risk.

Low-Cost

5. Re-stripe and Re-mark the Facility

Refreshing pavement markings is one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve safety, traffic flow and parking compliance. Offer or recommend low-cost restriping services for:

  • Parking stalls
  • Pedestrian crosswalks
  • Stop bars and directional arrows

Use high-visibility paint along pedestrian walkways, curbs, and any area where there’s a change in elevation to help reduce trip-and-fall incidents—especially in dimly lit or high-traffic zones.

6. Update or Replace Signage

Well-maintained signage is essential for safety and customer guidance:

  • Audit all signage on-site and replace any faded, outdated, or damaged signs.
  • Ensure signs reflect current information, such as:
    • Contact numbers
    • Hours of operation
    • Instructions for getting assistance
  • Add temporary “Caution: Slippery Surface” signs at entrances or near stairwells during rain, snow, or cleaning events.
  • Post “This Area Is Under Surveillance” signs at key entry and exit points—even if cameras aren’t installed—as a visual deterrent to crime or misconduct.

Improving safety in a parking facility doesn’t always require a large budget—just a proactive approach, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By implementing these low-cost and no-cost strategies, we can significantly enhance the safety, usability, and overall experience for every customer who uses the facility. As a parking professional, we’re not only tasked with managing day-to-day operations, but also to add value through smart, cost-effective solutions that prioritize both safety and service.

Vincent Campagna, PTMP, is a Manager, Parking & Ground Transportation for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Vincent can be reached at vcampagna@mitchellairport.com.