Paved Surfaces
to Indicate Usage
The area and
type of paved surfaces can signal their use by cars, parking or pedestrians.
Wherever traffic requirements allow it, install surfaces that encourage
non-automobile traffic, and allow stormwater infiltration. Use impervious
pavement (concrete and asphalt) only where regular car, bus or truck
traffic is expected. Match the surface to the need:
- Porous asphalt,
paver blocks or large aggregate concrete for parking and highly
used bicycle and pedestrian areas
- Lattice blocks
that permit grass growth for fire lanes and overflow parking
- Crushed stone
or brick for lightly used pedestrian paths
- Recycled asphalt
and recycled concrete where impervious surfaces are required
Provide “curb
cuts” and slope hard landscaping features to allow water to flow
to permeable surfaces and oil/water separators.
Integrate trees
with a high, dense canopy into “parking groves”. These provide
shade for parked vehicles, and are more attractive when cars are absent.
Ensure parking groves do not provide hiding places, with landscaping
that does not block sight lines.
Explore the feasibility
of a common driveway or entrance with adjacent facilities.
Cautions
- Safe and visible
circulation is critical. Do not compromise fire rescue access.
- “Parking
groves” require careful planning for space efficiency and security.
- Ensure that
pedestrian path's paving are accessible for disabled people.
