Security, Cost DrivingMost Parking Choices Across U.S.


A survey released by Federal APD, taps into U.S. con-


sumers’ minds to better understand what drives parking behav- ior. Notably, the “American Parking Decisions” survey demon- strates security is a consistently high factor for Americans in addition to traditional cost and location considerations. In addition, the survey provides enlightening comparisons of the preferences of men and women as well as different age groups. When asked to rank the top three most important consid-


erations when making a parking decision, the majority of Americans indicated “cost” (34 percent), followed closely by “security” (29 percent) and “location” (25 percent). However, two very different age groups—seniors over age 65 andAmer- icans aged 25-34 years old—ranked security as most impor- tant, where all other age groups ranked cost most important. “We have always known parkers primarily make a deci-


sion based on cost, especially in a down economy,” said Bob Kane, Director of Market Development for FederalAPD. “But, the ‘American Parking Decisions’ survey demonstrates safety


is a close second that trumps the potential increased conven- ience of another facility’s location. Clearly, a secure parking experience is a critical factor for women and men, as well as Americans of all ages.” To provide additional insight regarding the most impor-


tant parking security factors, survey respondents were asked to rank their top three considerations among five choices. Most (38 percent) chose “a clear security presence with a guard at a desk or in a patrol car,” followed closely by “lighting in garage or stairwells” (35 percent) and, in third place, “visible security cameras” (17 percent). Other choices given in the survey were “operating elevators” (seven percent) and “operating call but- tons to speak with attendant” (four percent).


Additional Findings The survey revealed interesting demographic compar-


isons. For example: • Greater use by Men. More men use paid parking facilities than women. 47 percent of men and 36 percent of women said they will pay or have paid to park in the past.


• Unity through Security: An almost equal percentage of men and women (27 percent compared with 30 percent, respectively) ranked security as the most important factor when thinking about parking.


• Younger Americans want to chat:While only 11 percent of all respondents chose “operating call buttons to speak with a live attendant at exit and entrance kiosks,” 18-34 year-olds chose this as the most or second most important consideration when thinking about parking security, above all other age groups.


Federal APD commissioned the survey in conjunction


with Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) to learn more about what influences and considerations affect Americans’ parking decisions. The online survey was conducted among a national representative sample of 1,054 adults comprising 510 men and 544 women 18 years of age and older. Interviewing for this survey was conducted on March 25-26, 2010


Sentry Controls System


Sentry Control Systems installed this automated SKIDATA system in late 2009. There is No Pay on Foot machine at this location. This is an Automated parking system however – It requires parking customers to Pay with Credit Card, or Validation – Cash is not Accepted. CIM Group owns the parking garage at 830 S. Flower Street in Los Angeles. “We want customers who are sophisticated enough to have a credit card, if you don’t have a credit card, you are not in our demographic.” The system was installed by Sentry Control Systems.


26 JUNE 2010 • PARKING TODAY • www.parkingtoday.com


What’s Best is advanced technology that reduces costs, increases revenues, improves your security and your streetscape. In Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, ask Richard N. Best Associates about Digital Payment’s LUKE and SHELBY multi-space pay stations, and the web-based Enterprise Management System for managing lots and pay stations in real-time.


Richard N. Best Associates, Inc.


15 Trail Road, Levittown, PA 19056 215-945-9240


Info@RNBest.com


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