Miriam Arias/Staff Writer
Don’t park in backwards.
The University’s Traffic and Parking Regulation Amendment reviewed by the University’s Board of Trustees began enforcing their new regulations as of July 1, which include fee increases and decal fraud enforcement.
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President Kenneth Jessell initiated this proposal, which seeks to take notice of new changes being implemented in the University.
Highlighted, the amendment is aimed towards the following main changes: decal fee increases, the consequences regarding decal fraud and the enforcement of fines for faculty, staff and/or students who park backwards, rather than head-in.
Director of Parking and Transportation Lissette Hernandez, explained that regulations are reviewed regularly and revisions are made in accordance to issues faced the previous year.
Another part of the amendment increases the Transportation Access Fee.
Last year’s fee equaled $81 in the fall and spring semesters and $75 in the summer semester; however, the amendment states that the current semester decal registration fee will now be $89 in fall and spring and $83 in the summer.
Every person’s decal fee is added into their total tuition amount and every student, faculty and staff member is required to purchase an access fee. According to Hernandez, all students registered in the university, even those who live in the university dorms, must pay an access fee.
“This access fee helps pay for the construction of sidewalks, lighting on parking lots and the bond payments for the garages,” Hernandez said.
All students, even those who do not own a car, must still pay the same access fee.
“I understand the reason behind the [increase] in access fee for student decals, however all other prices seem to rise as well and it is difficult for us students to keep up,” junior and public relations major Maureen Gonzalez said.
Hernandez offered explanation on the matter by briefly stating, “Decal increase was approved by the BOT last year in expectation of the construction of the next parking garage. Once a site is determined, planning will immediately follow.”
“I don’t think many students want to see an increase in the amount they pay for school, but with a rise in student enrollment and the addition of a new parking garage, it is understandable that the parking department needs to increase its revenue stream,” said junior and journalism major Diego Saldana.
Another key point in the amendment prohibits parking in backwards. Any faculty, staff or student that does not park correctly will first be issued a warning, and citations will be given every time after that. According to Hernandez, enforcement will begin in August as the fall semester begins.
Another notable change in the regulation was the garage speed limit. The University Traffic and Parking Regulation previously stated, “Garage speed is radar enforced.” This statement has now been scratched out.
Hernandez explained that this was taken out due to limited radar devices and the short distances traveled in the garages. “Our office, in conjunction with University Police, will enforce the speed by other means to ensure the safety of our community.”
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