Illegal Parking could cost more

Students who park illegally could soon face much bigger tickets.

ASBSU senators received a proposal from the university parking advisory committee recently suggesting the increases.

A student parking in a General parking lot without a permit could face paying a $25 fine instead of the current $10. A student parking in a reserved lot without a permit could face a $40 fine.

Aaron Granden, ASBSU senator from the college of applied technology, said the overall goal of these increases is to try to keep the cost to the students down so they don’t have to pay for the new parking garage.

“Instead of the construction fees being taken from student fees, an increase in fines will provide more money. In a sense, the people parking illegally on campus will be forced to pay the brunt of the construction fees,” he said.

After the recommendation passes the Parking Committee it moves on to the President’s Cabinet, and from there, final authorization by President Charles Ruch.

The next meeting of the Parking Committee is April 5 at 9 a.m. in the Senate Forum.

The committee is made up of officials from around campus and at least one ASBSU student senator.

Granden said the proposal includes increases in parking meter fines as well.

He said the committee wants to install more parking meters set to give students twelve minutes free.

“The students could park, press the button, then run in to the SUB to buy a ticket or something. That will be a positive change,” Granden said.

Another area that could be affected is the venue parking for events. Compared to other areas, BSU parking for an event at the Morrison Center or Pavilion is really cheap. The Parking Committee will be looking at the venue parking and possible raise fees there as well.

Junior Linda Cook said, “Provided the spaces are clearly marked, I think the parking fees should be increased, especially for people parking in handicapped spaces.”

Lee O’Brien, technical writing major said, “The fee increases are consistent with the general parking policy and its lack of concern for students.”

Granden said he is in support of the free 12 minute meters. “Who wouldn’t be? But I haven’t heard enough debate on either side to comment on the other recommendations for parking fee increases,” he said.

Amy Wegner

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