Understanding Australian Car Park Standards
Clear parking bays, directional arrows and pedestrian routes help people use a car park safely. A line marking project should start with the approved layout and the requirements that apply to that particular property, rather than a single set of rules for every site.
This overview explains the different parts of the AS 2890 parking facilities series and the practical checks to discuss before installing or refreshing markings.
Key Australian Parking Standards
AS/NZS 2890.1 — Off-street car parking
This part addresses the layout of general off-street car parking, including parking spaces, aisles and vehicle circulation. The design should be checked before bays or traffic routes are changed.
AS 2890.2 — Off-street commercial vehicle facilities
This part covers facilities for commercial vehicles, including loading, unloading and manoeuvring areas.
AS 2890.6 — Off-street parking for people with disabilities
This part addresses accessible parking facilities, including dedicated spaces and associated shared areas. Use the edition referenced by the applicable building requirements and approved project documentation.
Line Colours Widths and Visibility
Marking colours, widths, symbols and locations should match the approved design and applicable requirements. General parking bays, accessible spaces and shared areas can require different marking treatments.
Choose materials and contrast to suit the surface, lighting and traffic. Reflective performance should be specified where the project requires it; indoor and outdoor markings can have different visibility needs.
Accessible Parking and Shared Areas
Accessible parking needs a coordinated layout, not just a painted symbol. Before marking, check the approved dimensions and configuration of the dedicated space and shared area, the required signs and markings, and the route to the accessible entrance.
- Keep shared areas clear so people can enter and leave vehicles.
- Confirm markings, signs and any bollards against the approved layout.
- Check surface condition, slopes and level changes as part of the site assessment.
- Refer layout or access-design questions to the project designer or access consultant.
Common Issues to Check Before Remarking
Faded or unclear markings: Review visibility, worn symbols and directional arrows so drivers and pedestrians can follow the intended routes.
Changed layouts: Repainting an old arrangement does not establish that it meets the current approved design. Check bay use, pedestrian access and vehicle movements before renewing the lines.
Obstructed shared areas: Storage, parked vehicles and other obstacles can prevent an accessible parking layout from working as intended.
Surface preparation: Dirt, damaged coatings or old conflicting lines may need cleaning, repair or removal before new markings are applied.
Planning Your Car Park Line Marking
Send City Linemarking your approved parking plan, site photos and the scope of work. We can discuss preparation, materials and staging, and provide a quote for the marking work. Confirm changes to the design with the relevant project professional before installation.
Reference and Project Requirements
The Transport for NSW parking facilities supplement identifies the different AS 2890 parts and the editions it references. Its additional requirements apply to the TfNSW road network. For your property, confirm the applicable standards, building requirements, approval conditions and project specifications with the designer or certifier.