The Parking Shop publishes the Parking Industry Survey 2009

Executive summary

The survey was conducted during the three days of the Parkex Exhibition 21st-23rd April, 2009 and those surveyed were parking professionals from all areas of the industry .The purpose of the survey was to establish current trends within the parking industry. The results appear to be comparable to previous years. Although there were over 100 completed survey cards, only eighty-four participants completed the survey fully and these included representatives from local government authorities, privately run parking management companies as weil as suppliers to the industry. 83% of the survey respondent's work for Local Government parking departments and 17% were employed in the private parking sector.

Although there are some variations between private and public parking operators' opinions, the overwhelming majority of parking professionals agree that investment is key in attracting customers. This trend has not changed in the past 2 years. Location and pricing are the top two factors influencing consumer choice. More private than public operators believe that the quality of parking facilities determines how customers choose car parks.

1. The infrastructure investment's role in customer satisfaction

Both the private and public sectors (50% each) said that their investment budget would be about the same as last years, and approximately 35% in both sectors believed it will be increased this financial year. Only 16% of local authorises and 14% of private companies will have their budget cut in relation to the last year. The question of budget was brought to light in question 6 -the wish list.

2. Investing in parking

The above results confirm the importance of improving car park infrastructure in regards to customer satisfaction. 90% of industry representatives as a whole believe that investing into car parks is an important factor in increasing customer loyalty as weil as in attracting new users.

3. Industry view on customers' parking preferences

There is a difference of opinion between public and private parking operators in relation to customers' preferences when choosing car parks. Nearly half of those surveyed from local government believe that price is the most important factor in the customers' decision when choosing a car park, in comparison to just 21% of private operators. A huge 57% of private car park professionals believe that quality of facilities is the key for customers whilst only 11% of public operators agree with this statement.

Again there was a varjation in the survey with 40% of local authorities and only 21% of private companies believing that the location of the car park influences the customer.

4. Outsourcing trends within the industry

In relation to outsourcing 64%, of private operators believe that this is the way forward while 62% of local authorities believe it will remain the same. Both the private and public sector do not see bringing the business back in-house from the contractors as a real option.

5. Advertising in the car parks

Outdoor advertising has benefits for great brand exposure in strategic locations. Advertising in car parks gives businesses the opportunit y to reach local audiences with highly targeted messages at a relatively low cost, for example, on the back of tickets or Pillar Car Protectors. According to the survey, over 40% of car parks remain greatly unused as far as outdoor advertising is concerned. Both private and public companies said that they believed they could do more in relation to advertising. Could advertising become a new way of raising revenue to be used in improving parking facilities?

6. Wish list

When asked, what would be the one thing that could improve their parking operations, parking professional were unanimous in their answer: 'More Budget'. Obviously, with the current economic times, parking budgets are being targeted with cutbacks. Other suggestions were, happy customers, better communications, more car parks and spaces. 2 people surveyed believed that winning the ipod would make their day to day operations easier.

About The Parking Shop

The Parking Shop Ltd has been established since 1993 and is a privately owned business specialising in car parking solutions. The company's experience ranges from bespoke parking solutions to professional advice on all parking needs. We work in partnership with local authorities and public bodies, parking management companies and developers.