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Ever wondered what the idea is behind the parking lots you visit? Why are some parking spaces arranged perpendicularly and some diagonally? A lot of thought goes into a parking lot’s design than simply painting lines on a sheet of asphalt. Factors such as availability of space, spots required, efficiency, and flow of traffic must be considered when creating an ideal parking space. An important element to factor into the design is making the choice between angled and straight parking spaces.

Both have their supporters and critics. The difference in the angle at which the parking space is arranged has a lot to do with how it is used. The angle changes the number of spots available in a given lot and can impact how quickly drivers can get in and out of spaces.

Let’s take a look at how angled and straight parking spaces compare.

Angled Parking Spaces

Angled parking spaces feature spots tilting at two angles – 60 degrees and 45 degrees. The 60-degree parking lot model requires a turn of about 60 degrees to enter the slightly angled parking space. It is a good middle-ground between straight and 45-degree spaces as it is easy to get into as the straight parking space and doesn’t take up a lot of area, unlike the 45-degree model.

Angled parking spaces don’t require vehicles to make a sharp turn when parking, making it easier for cars to maneuver in and out of the parking space. This also reduces the chances of a collision as drivers stay within the lines of their parking spaces.

Because they require one-way traffic, which is safer than two-way traffic, having everyone moving in the same direction greatly lessens the chances of collisions and blockages. Vehicles travel in single file, waiting to easily pull into an angled spot on either their left or right. When exiting the space, drivers only need to worry about one direction of traffic. Because cars are staggered when parking at an angle, it also reduces the chances of a driver getting blocked if the next car parks too close.

The disadvantage of angled parking spaces also has to do with the one-way traffic flow, which can make for a frustrating experience for drivers. Thus, parking facility owners need to put in careful thought into the overall layout of traffic if they choose angled parking spaces.

Straight Parking Spaces

The standard option for a parking space that we are familiar with is the perpendicular or straight parking model. In this form, the driver has to turn their vehicle a full 90 degrees from the traffic lane in order to enter their parking space.

Also Read: Using Vertical Parking for Efficient Parking Space Management

Straight parking spaces allow for a flexible traffic layout since a spot can be safely approached from either direction. Straight parking also reduces the number of cars getting blocked in by the car next to them parking too close. However, straight parking spaces take up more square footage. Cars also need to swing out more to get the right approach angle when compared with angled parking spaces.

The verdict

	Pros	Cons
Angled Parking Space	·       Easy to park ·       Easy to exit ·       Requires less turning radius ·       Less likely to get blocked in ·       Can fit more spaces per square foot	·       Requires one-way traffic lanes ·       Harder to line up the nose of the vehicle
Straight Parking Space	·       Allows for two-way traffic ·       Vehicles can be lined up from multiple angles	·       Takes up more square footage ·       Cars need to swing out more in order to park

Both systems have their merits and demerits. The traditional straight parking is familiar and saves a lot of space. However, it’s very time-consuming, and dangerous and requires a certain level of dexterity to park right. Angled parking, on the other hand, is easy to get into and out of, less prone to accidents given that it typically supports a single lane of traffic, and is easy even for beginners. The major flaw that holds it down is the fact that they take up a lot of space. Parking facility owners must carefully consider the pros and cons when choosing between the layouts for an efficient design of the lot.