How to make car pars a safer place
/ By Gateway Team / car park security/ 0 Comments

How To Make Car Parks A Safer Place

There are many benefits to car parks. They reduce haphazard parking and on-street congestion, improve overall traffic flow, and provide security for parked vehicles. They also enhance accessibility to businesses and public spaces, and support economic activity.

However, car parks can sometimes be hotspots for accidents and criminal activity such as theft, damage, vandalism, and attacks.

Implementing measures to improve security in car parks is essential to ensuring the wellbeing and peace of mind of drivers and pedestrians. Here are some ways to make car parks safer and more secure.

Adequate lighting

One of the most fundamental safety measures in any car park is proper lighting. Well-lit areas deter criminal activity, make it easier to navigate the space, and reduce the risk of accidents. Regular maintenance of lighting fixtures is essential to ensure they continue to work effectively.

Security cameras

Install security cameras in strategic locations to deter potential wrongdoers and provide you with valuable footage that can be used as evidence in the event of accidents or criminal activity.

Cameras provide visibility to security personnel and can also be connected to a monitoring system that alerts them to any suspicious activity.

Clear signage

Car parks should have clear and concise signage to help drivers navigate the car park safely. It is important to ensure that signage is visible, well-maintained, and follows local regulations.

Directions, speed limit signs, and properly marked entrances, exits, and pedestrian walkways all contribute to a safer environment.

Pedestrian walkways

Having dedicated pedestrian walkways to separate foot traffic from vehicles reduces the risk of accidents. Walkways should be well-marked and well-lit, and the design should discourage vehicles from encroaching on them.

Speed bumps

Speed bumps and other traffic calming measures can help reduce the risk of accidents and discourage reckless driving within the car park. These are especially important in larger car parks where vehicles tend to move at higher speeds.

Restricted access

Limiting access to the car park during non-operating hours or for specific user groups can enhance security. You can restrict access by implementing access control systems or barriers that require a passcode, card, or remote control given to authorised personnel.

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance of car parks is crucial to safety. This includes fixing potholes and repairing damaged barriers as soon as possible, and ensuring that all elements such as handrails and curbs are in good condition.

Regular security audits

Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities in the car park’s safety measures. You may want to consider seeking input from security experts to address potential weaknesses that an untrained eye might miss.

For professional advice and support with reviewing and upgrading your security systems, get in touch with our team of experts at Gateway Automation on 01522 682255, or email info@gatewayautomation.co.uk, for professional help and advice.

With over 40 years of combined experience and expertise, Gateway Automation offers a value for money service with well-engineered and high-quality security systems and barriers, manufactured to your specific requirements.

Security tips for a safe Christmas
/ By Gateway Team / christmas/ 0 Comments

Security Tips For A Safe Christmas

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. However, with a spike in crimes such as break-ins and theft around Christmas, it can also be a worrying time.

Many businesses experience changes over the holiday period that can leave them more vulnerable and at-risk of being targeted by criminals than at any other time of year.

Warehouses may have more stock than usual, retail businesses typically experience an increase in foot traffic, manufacturing businesses are often left vacant, and some businesses hire seasonal staff. All of these changes come with added security risks.

It is important that businesses take the time to review and adapt their security measures ahead of the holiday season. Here are some security tips to help ensure your business is a safe and secure environment for employees, customers and assets this Christmas.

Surveillance cameras

Installing both visible and discreet surveillance cameras both inside and outside your business premises will help to deter potential criminals as well as providing valuable evidence in the event that an incident does occur.

Intruder alarms

Alarm systems can act as a visual deterrent as well as an audible one. They can be set up to sound an alarm when someone accesses a property or area without authorisation, alerting personnel and drawing attention to them.

Secure windows and doors

All doors and windows should be equipped with secure locks. You can further enhance security by applying security film or installing security grilles or shutters which will make it harder for potential intruders to gain entry.

Access control systems

Access to sensitive areas should be restricted using access control systems which utilise a code, fob or card, for example, to ensure only authorised personnel can gain entry. This is particularly important in premises which have a lot of visitors or customers.

Lighting

Adequate lighting can be effective in deterring unlawful activity as well-lit areas will discourage criminals out of fear of being seen. If you do not wish to have lights on all the time, consider installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your business.

Secure valuables

Ensure all cash, valuable merchandise, and confidential information is securely locked away when your business is closed. This will help to ensure that even if there are intruders, it will be difficult for them to obtain anything of value before security personnel or the police arrive.

Employee training

Your employees play a vital role in ensuring your business is secure. Ensure that existing staff and any seasonal hires are trained in how to recognise and report suspicious behaviour or individuals, and are aware of how to deal with incidents if they do occur.

Inventory reviews

You should regularly review your inventory and financial records to identify discrepancies or irregularities. This can help you spot any potential security threats, employee misconduct, or other criminal activity.

By implementing these security measures, your business can enjoy a safe and worry-free holiday season. Staying vigilant and continually adapting your security plan can help protect your assets, employees, and customers not only at Christmas but for years to come.

For professional advice and support with reviewing and upgrading your security systems, get in touch with our team of experts at Gateway Automation on 01522 682255, or email info@gatewayautomation.co.uk, for professional help and advice.

With over 40 years of combined experience and expertise, Gateway Automation offers a value for money service with well-engineered and high-quality security systems and barriers, manufactured to your specific requirements.