Parking Lot and Area Lighting, Where Illumination Makes a Difference

Parking areas are the one of the most vulnerable locations on a property after dark. When nighttime comes around, they can become especially vulnerable to crimes like vandalism or theft. This can lead to serious safety risks to pedestrians, financial risks, and legal issues. Through thoughtful lighting design, property owners can create a safer and more secure environment.

Why Parking Lot Lighting Matters More Than Ever

Ongoing research has been conducted linking crime rates to lighting conditions. These studies found that better exterior lighting has helped significantly reduce crime and makes people feel safer at work and at home. A study in New York discovered that high-powered lighting in housing developments reduced crime by 36%. Similarly, utility companies and cities like Newark, NJ, have partnered on data-driven lighting projects targeting areas with high violent crime, proving that the right lighting solutions can make a measurable difference.

From a security standpoint, lighting deters criminals, enhances visibility for surveillance cameras, and gives pedestrians a clearer sense of their environment. Individuals feel more secure when they can see their surroundings clearly, spot potential threats, and feel confident in their ability to escape if needed.

Legal and Financial Risk of Poor Lighting

Poor parking lot lighting can leave property owners legally liable for the dangers lurking in the dark. Should an incident occur on the property, the court system can view inadequate lighting as negligence and hold property owners accountable for failing to protect people from possible risk.

Failure to upgrade lighting can lead to a drain on finances. Older lighting models, like high-pressure sodium or metal halide, consume more energy than modern LED lighting. They also require more maintenance due to their lack of durability and short lifespans. Upgrading to LEDs leads to better lighting performance, less energy usage, and reduced maintenance needs.

Types of Parking Lot and Area Lighting

Understanding your lighting options is key when retrofitting a parking lot or garage structure.

Metal Halide:

Once a popular choice, these lamps provide bright white light but suffer from rapid lumen depreciation. Over time, light levels drop significantly, often turning into a dim, pinkish hue. This uneven lighting can create pockets of darkness, reducing visibility and increasing risk.

High-Pressure Sodium (HPS):

HPS lamps offer a long lifespan but produce an orange-tinted glow with poor color rendering. While energy-efficient, they make it harder for security cameras and the human eye to distinguish faces or details, compromising safety.

LED Lighting:

LEDs have become the go-to solution for parking lots and garages, offering multiple advantages:

• Consistent and even illumination with no dark spots
• Superior color rendering that improves facial recognition and object visibility
• Long lifespan (often exceeding 100,000 hours)
• Compatibility with smart controls and motion sensors for real-time lighting adjustments
• Low maintenance and high energy efficiency, leading to reduced utility and operational costs

Strategic Design for Maximum Visibility and Security

Creating a strategic lighting design helps amplify the lighting to ensure the best coverage. Key factors that influence the effectiveness of parking lot lighting include:

• Mounting Height and Beam Angle: Proper height ensures broader coverage without sacrificing intensity. Adjustable angles help eliminate blind spots and minimize glare.
• Placement and Spacing: Fixtures must be placed to avoid shadows between light poles. Overlapping light zones ensure even coverage across the lot.
• Smart Sensors and Controls: Motion-activated lighting adds another layer of deterrence, conserving energy while alerting potential wrongdoers they’re being observed.

By shedding light on vulnerable areas of parking lots, business owners not only prevent crime but also instill confidence among employees and customers.

A Safer Future Starts with Smarter Lighting

Choosing LED lighting offers a wide range of benefits that cover more than just safety. They play a direct role in cutting costs, reducing maintenance needs, and improving lighting performance. Action Services Group offers consultation on how to improve your exterior lighting in order to meet your goals.

Ready to enhance safety and security at your property? Call 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or schedule a consultation online.