Parking Lot Gates
Parking lot gates are a critical component of secure and efficient parking operations, providing controlled access at both entry and exit lanes. Designed to regulate vehicle flow and protect revenue, these systems open only after a required action such as ticket issuance, credential validation, or confirmed payment.
Integrated with ticket machines, access control readers, and parking management software, modern parking gates enhance safety while ensuring smooth traffic movement. With programmable speeds, safety illumination panels, and obstruction-detection technology, today’s parking lot gates deliver reliable performance for parking garages, commercial lots, and restricted-access facilities.
Parking Gate Installation Process
Parking gate installation involves careful planning, site preparation, and precise equipment setup to ensure reliable operation and long-term durability. The process typically begins with positioning the gate cabinet and drilling anchor bolts to secure it firmly to the concrete surface.
Vehicle detection loops are then saw-cut into the pavement and wired to detect approaching and exiting vehicles. Power and communication cables are installed and connected to the control system. Finally, the barrier gate arm is mounted, calibrated, and tested to verify proper opening speeds, safety features, and integration with access control or ticketing systems.
Learn more about installing parking gates
See a quick overview of drilling the anchor bolts for a parking gate installation.
One of the essential elements for proper gate operation are loops. Below we show saw cutting loops. For new asphalt or concrete we also offer preformed PVC loops. Here are a few clips of saw cutting a loop in a lane way.
Next the loops have wire inserted before the saw cuts are sealed.
And after wiring the power and communications cables, the arms are installed for final testing.
COMMON WAYS TO OPEN A PARKING GATE
- Ticket Machine: Press a button, ticket prints, once driver takes the ticket, the gate arm opens.
- Access Control: Monthly Parker presents an authorized credential. If a credential is valid for a particular time, date & area, then the gate arm opens.
- Successful Payment or Validation : Once payment is made or a validated parking ticket is presented, the parking gate arm will open.
- Call For Assistance : Driver presses "Call for Assistance" intercom button. Recipient of call may remotely open by pressing a button on their phone (cell phone or land line).
- Remote Control :
Remote Controls may be given to snow plow drivers, delivery drivers or other visitors.
- Free In/Out: If there is a Flat-Rate Payment or access control only on entry, there may be a "Free" In/Out lane that is controlled by an in asphalt or cement or under gravel loop & detector that opens only when a vehicle is present.
- Emergency Vehicle Siren Open: Some customers desire an automatic gate open for emergency vehicle sirens. This may be accomplished in a few different ways. Contact us to learn about more options.
Parking Lot Gates
Our Full-Featured Parking System incorporates parking lot gates in the Entry Lane and Exit Lane. Our BGS-5xx incorporates a red/green safety illumination panels on the parking gate and offers an optional red/green illuminated arm. This parking gate is housed in a stainless steel cabinet and its direct drive motor auto-reverses upon contacting an obstruction. There is single door access as well as a removable top.
The BGS-5xx offers programmable open and close gate arm speeds as well as a wireless receiver with two programmable remote controls to open/stop/close the barrier gate arm. The slim profile of this gate works well on narrow islands.
Opening a parking lot gate arm when entering or leaving a parking area typically requires the Parker to take some action what will cause the parking lot gate arm to open. For example, a Transient Parker may need to press a button to print a parking ticket, then remove that ticket from the printer throat to cause the parking gate arm to open. In the Exit Lane, once a paid parking ticket or a payment has been made, then this will also open the parking gate. Then the parking ticket is closed in the software and cannot be re-used in another transaction.
If a monthly Parker, tenant or employee with an access control card presents a valid credential to a card reader in the Entry Lane or Exit Lane, this may also cause the parking lot gate to open.
Parking lot gates provide security and control for parking lots and parking garages. Contact Parking BOXX today to safeguard your parking area with a parking gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Parking Lot Gates Safe?
Yes. Modern parking lot gates are designed with multiple safety features such as auto-reverse mechanisms, loop detectors, illuminated red/green signals, and audible alerts. These systems detect obstructions and automatically stop or reverse to prevent damage or injury.
2. How Fast Do Parking Gates Open?
Gate opening and closing speeds are programmable and depend on the specific model. High-volume facilities can configure faster speeds to maintain smooth traffic flow while still ensuring safe operation.
3. Can Parking Gates Integrate With Access Control?
Yes. Parking gates can integrate with access control systems, including RFID cards, proximity readers, license plate recognition, ticket machines, and parking management software for seamless entry and exit validation.
4. Do Parking Gates Work In Cold Weather?
Yes. Many parking gate systems are designed with durable materials and components suitable for cold climates, including stainless steel housings and motors built to perform reliably in harsh weather conditions.
