Parking Equipment and Supplies Key Terms

Learn the terminology of the parking industry

By Thomas Langford

When ordering equipment and supplies for a parking lot, you should have a basic understanding of some of the industry's key terms. Knowing the difference between a bollard and a traffic delineator will help ensure you order exactly what you need. You should also have knowledge of products that can reduce damage from vehicles in your parking lot, such as height guards, cable protectors and parking stops. This will save you money and help keep your parking facility in good shape.

Bollards

Bollards are posts, either movable or fixed, that are designed to prevent cars from driving into unwanted areas. Light-duty bollards will keep cars off grass and landscaping. Heavy-duty bollards that are designed to withstand high impacts can stop a car from hitting a building or a parking booth.
Try: Check out Belson Outdoors for a variety of examples of bollards.

Height guard

A height guard is a bar that hangs before the entrance to an area with a low clearance. If a vehicle is too tall for the low clearance, then it will strike the height guard and alert the driver. Height guards are often used at the entrances to parking garages.
Try: To see a picture of a height guard and a list of suggested uses, visit Parking Padding Solutions.

Cable protectors

Cable protectors cover and protect cables, cords and hoses that are laid across a parking area or driveway. They allow cars and pedestrians to pass over the lines without damaging them.
Try: To view pictures and read more about several types of cable protectors, check out Highland Products Group.

Parking stops

Parking stops are designed to prevent cars from pulling too far into a parking spot. They can be made from concrete, rubber or plastic and are laid across the ground at the front end of the parking spot. A recent industry trend is to make them from recycled materials.
Try: For more information about parking stops, refer to Parking Lot Stops.

Traffic delineators

Traffic delineators, sometimes called channelizers, are plastic posts that are used to control the flow of traffic in a large parking lot. They are similar to cones, except they can be attached to the ground and they are designed to withstand an impact from cars. Traffic delineators are often orange or yellow in color and have reflectors to enhance visibility.
Try: WCT Products has examples of various types of traffic delineators.

Traffic panel

A traffic panel is a small, movable barrier that can be used to keep cars from entering a parking area or a parking lot exit lane. It is lightweight and often has a handle on top.
Try: Parking Lot Supply has pictures and more detailed descriptions of traffic panels.