Parking card readers ease and expedite the paying process for parking control systems. Lose the long exit ramp lines and save on salaries of attendants with parking gate card readers. Company lots, airport parking companies and city parking ramps are just a few of the many businesses which can benefit from the addition of a parking card reading system.

Card readers for parking systems come in several models. The cheapest is the magnetic parking card reader, which does not need an external power supply and is best for facilities where a programmable system is not necessary for security reasons. For heightened security, use proximity card parking access card readers which store individual data about cards entered in the system. Another option eliminating the need for parking card technology is the keypad. Businesses looking to equip their parking lots with parking control card access should consider any of these options:

1. Proximity parking readers for limiting entrance to a restricted area

2. Parking card swipe system for public garage and lot use

3. Keypads for a cheap, economical system

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Heighten security with proximity parking card reader equipment

Proximity parking card reader systems are the most secure parking card readers available. Unlike related swipe card systems, they do not require the conventional swipe of a card to activate; rather, the proximity parking card system activates when a card waves beneath its sensor. Use these for higher-security entrance facilities or exclusive locations such as a high-security gated community.

I recommend: Purchase proximity parking card readers from Amtel Security System and Parking Products.

Save money with less expensive swipe card parking systems

Swipe card parking systems are a cheaper alternative to proximity parking card readers, but don't offer the same level of security. Since they use cards magnetically charged which activate the reader upon swiping, they do not require an external power source. Magnetic parking card reader systems are good for parking units such as large public or private parking garages which do not require a high level of restriction from use.

I recommend: Buy a magnetic swipe system from the parking card reader manufacturers Time & Parking Controls and Traffic and Parking Control.

Update your parking card technology with economical keypads

The linear keypad replaces the conventional parking card reader with a password entry security system. Owners of private business and community parking garages may find this feature useful, as it would eliminate the need to issue individual cards to every vehicle. Alternatively, if you like the idea of a keypad but still need to offer card access, consider the combination keypad and card reader system.

I recommend: Discount Fence Supply and Access Security sell several variations of the Linear keypad. Buy a combination keypad and card reader from Cincinnati Gate Systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Place surveillance cameras near your parking gate card readers at the entrance of your parking unit. This will help you track who is using your facility and keep an eye on intruders.