Making the retail environment safe for everyone.

When developing a retail environment, it is important to create a welcoming space that shoppers will want to visit and spend time in. Although the primary focus has to be on the design of the building and commercial spaces, care must be taken when designing the car park layout too.
The car park is the first port of call for visitors, and street furniture in the car park ideally should reflect the aesthetics of the site, enhancing both its appearance and function. In the majority of retail parks, the shopping area surrounds the car park. Without the correct vehicle control, the combination of distracted shoppers and manoeuvring vehicles in a relatively small space greatly increases the risk of injury.

Keeping pedestrians and vehicles separate is the top priority for street furniture within a retail environment. Preventing drivers from parking in unauthorised areas such as kerbs and pavements, whilst dissuading pedestrians from using the car park as a shortcut between shops can be achieved by the considered use of outdoor fittings, such as bollards and perimeter barriers.
In such an unpredictable, and potentially dangerous environment, maximising car park safety is paramount.

Keeping Everyone Safe

Keeping Everyone Safe
Clearly identifying the boundaries of a site, and pedestrian areas can reduce the odds of a collision. Using a taller item, like a bollard, provides a more obvious obstruction to drivers, while still allowing pedestrians to easily walk between them.
Such solutions do not have to impact the appearance of a site negatively. Tailored ornamental products put style first, resulting in a functional, but attractive end result. Different finishes mean furniture can fit with any existing or planned design, with stainless steel proving popular in the retail environment.

At AUTOPA we manufacture a range of products to maximise car park safety, and supply and some of the UK's key retailers. We have successfully used a range of our products to enhance the facilities at Partington Shopping Village. Visit our website to find out more.