The influx of crowds and vehicles during large events is a headache for many attendees and security personnel. Without proper event parking and traffic planning, the situation can get out of hand and raise potential accident concerns and emergencies.

Event parking security risks entail many repercussions, mostly injuries, damages, and financial losses. For these reasons, event organizers need to ensure high security standards for every event to mitigate these risks and avoid consequences.

Installing video surveillance, clear signage, bollards and barrier gates with access control systems may significantly reduce the top security risks in event parking areas. Check out these parking systems and accessories at All Security Equipment.

Top Security Risks in Event Parking

Concerts, conferences, sporting events, fairs, and other community events are expected to draw large crowds. One of the most critical aspects that event organizers must address in the planning phase is handling the event parking area and ensuring everything runs smoothly. 

A few of the security risks that event management must prepare for include:

Car Collisions and Accidents

Overcrowded and tight parking spaces make event parking lots a harbinger of harm. Heavy foot traffic and limited visibility make event parking more susceptible to accidents and delays. Sometimes, weather conditions contribute to the difficulty of organizing the parking area.

Parking space problems may also cause accidents. Eventgoers may develop trust issues with organizers, and business reputations are at stake.

Traffic Jams

The size of the event can provide a rough estimate of the parking space needed to accommodate the attendees. However, when more attendees than expected show up, traffic jams are inevitable. The type of vehicle and other logistics during the event can also affect the reserved parking area.

Traffic congestion can sometimes escalate, leading to heated exchanges and conflicts among drivers.

Unauthorized Parking Access

Some event parking venues have designated spaces to help prevent traffic jams and ensure better accessibility for everyone. The parking may be segmented into different areas, such as VIPs, staff, or general attendees. 

However, if the entry points are unmonitored and there is no clear delegation, the area can easily become free-flowing parking. Trespassing only increases the potential security threats, especially among high-profile guests.

Theft, Break-Ins, and Vandalism

Dimly lit and unmonitored event parking can easily attract thieves and vandals. Opportunistic crimes like smash-and-grabs are likely to occur, especially if valuables are left in plain sight.

Vehicles parked in unattended lots are also four times more likely to be stolen. These lots are much easier to access than those in gated communities and offices.

Personal Safety Concerns

Event parking is a potential venue for violent crimes such as mugging and assault. It usually occurs in dimly lit and unattended parking areas.

Poorly secured parking, inadequate lighting, and blind spots make it easier for offenders to strike. Parking lots are also venues for fights and assaults, particularly during sporting and other events where emotions and tensions tend to run high.

Security Risk Mitigation

Handling a large number of crowds and vehicles while prioritizing safety can be daunting. For event management, unaddressed security and safety risks can cause a cascade of consequences, such as financial and business opportunity losses. Appropriate security solutions and smoother traffic create a safer environment for everyone.

High-Resolution Security Cameras

Security cameras that capture all angles are a must-have in event parking. It is beneficial to capture vehicle movements in high-traffic areas. Set security cameras up in strategic locations to fully cover the event parking area.

PTZ or pan-tilt-zoom cameras cover more expansive areas for surveillance and provide detailed close-ups. They are best used with fixed cameras to reinforce the vulnerable gaps that the PTZ camera creates as it moves.

Adequate Lighting

When setting up your event parking, you need to ensure consistent illumination in the surrounding area to create a well-lit, safe zone. Bright parking lot lights can deter suspicious activities and crimes. The increased visibility also reduces possible car and pedestrian accidents. Proper and adequate lighting reduces liabilities and provides a safer and more secure environment for guests.

Physical Perimeter Control

Well-defined boundaries can ease traffic flow and provide more organized movement for vehicles and pedestrians. Parking bollards or barrier posts are excellent for enforcing perimeter control. Using temporary barriers that separate cars from pedestrians may significantly reduce accidents.

Use Access Control System

A few event parking lots, especially gated ones, use automated barrier arms instead of manual barriers. Automatic barriers are safer, more effective, and more efficient at managing traffic.

Automatic parking barriers use access control systems like RFID, LPR (license plate recognition), or ticket-based barriers to manage vehicle entry and exit. These systems reduce the time required for manual license verification and the waiting time at the entry points.

Install Visible Signs

Rerouting traffic and providing clear and visible signs can effectively reduce driver confusion and minimize traffic congestion.

Set up clear signs and directions in strategic locations to avoid bottlenecks in entry and exit points. This will help ensure smoother traffic flow and prevent unauthorized parking. VIPs, staff, and guests will be able to stick to their designated parking areas and avoid conflict.

Plan and Coordinate Well

Well-executed event parking management and security risk mitigation lies in deliberate planning and coordination. The most critical aspect is checking the parking facility and identifying potential security threats and other challenges.

Proper training for event staff can also be very helpful. Coordinating with local authorities ensures smoother parking situations and coordinated emergency response.

Innovative parking solutions help the security team ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Shop at All Security Equipment for removable and portable parking bollards, wedges, and other accessories to safeguard your event parking space.