Effects of Mismanagement of Carpark Areas and Buildings

Carpark buildings are usually for public use. It gives patrons (for malls, condos, etc) parking space so that they can leave their cars there and do their personal business. Carpark management usually provides security throughout the parking area and in turn, the facility is a pay-to-park service. Since customers pay for their parking space, it is the responsibility of the management to secure the vehicles until the owner or driver picks them up. Sometimes, mismanagement happens in carpark buildings and unfortunately, in some instances, it results in the customers' inconvenience and loss or damage to property. Let me share some that I've personally seen and experienced.

I think the most important factor is security. One of the most serious problems in managing a carpark building is adequate security. The parking area may be too big for just 1 or 2 security personnel. This holds the same especially for carparks with multiple floors. If you have a huge and busy parking area especially in malls and commercial centers, it is also best if you could seek assistance from the local police. Bring in K-9s to detect any threats to the customers, personnel, the cars and the facility that can't easily be seen by security personnel.

It is also important to take sufficient security measures (aside from manpower) such as enough light to cover the entire parking floor, exits with barriers and CCTV or surveillance cameras. The latter should be manned in real-time to notice any suspicious persons or activity immediately so that action can be made at once.

Sometimes, renovations are done in order to fix or improve the facility. I've seen some irresponsible carpark managements that are a bit lax when it comes to safety precautions. One time, I saw a major renovation in a carpark building and the cements are just lying on the floor. There were also steel bars scattered and who knows what else.

The bad thing here is that it's at a blind corner behind a wall so if you happen to drive into that corner, you wouldn't know that there are debris waiting for you. There were no signs whatsoever that would prompt you that there's construction or renovation going on. They should have placed markers or even notices that are huge enough to alert incoming drivers to take care.

In line with this, carpark management should be able to determine if any improvements are needed in the carpark area in terms of security and accessibility of the facility. They should be able to properly identify the demand for parking space, especially in commercial areas, and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, competition must be considered and if these are not attended to, profits and customer satisfaction and loyalty may be compromised.

Managing a carpark do not only entail allowing people to park their cars and then leave them be. The safety of the drivers and passengers, the cars themselves and the facility should be the utmost priority.