Outdoor car parks are more likely to be subject to high crime rates of both car theft and robbery. All lighting equipment should be vandal-resistant.

A common approach for lighting is to use 6–8m lighting columns, either on the edge of the car park or centrally mounted using floodlights to provide a good level of horizontal and vertical illuminance at ground level. Access routes, ticket dispensers, entrance barriers and exits all need good lighting to ensure pedestrians and drivers safety. Supplementary white lighting at these points will help colour and perception, particularly if reading is required.

Take care to avoid spill light onto adjacent housing, railway lines or other sensitive transport areas. Metal halide, high-pressure sodium and compact fluorescent lamps are the preferred lighting sources to ensure low running and maintenance costs as many car parks are illuminated through the night.