Parking on PVAMU’s campus is an ongoing confusing problem which causes students to endure the semester-to-semester inflated prices on parking tickets.
“The parking situation is not acceptable. and is very limited,” said undergraduate student Uniquka Johnson. “People who choose to drive close to their destination, and find a park close to their classes are penalized because they apparently chose to park in the wrong place.”The penalties Johnson is referring to are the tickets issued by parking patrollers. Not only do students see the tickets as unfair to them in terms of their effort to be on time to class, many feel there are too many restrictions when it comes to parking on campus. There is a perception among students that the issuing of tickets has been on the rise.
But according to Fred E. Washington, vice president for administration and auxiliary services, this not so. He said, “Some people are getting multiple violations, which increases the amount of the ticket.”
An example is illustrated when one takes into account the amount of single violations that add up to increase the total amount of a ticket.
Hypothetically, if a person parks in a restricted parking spot ($25 fine) and also displays a parking decal improperly ($25 fine), the ticket price will total $50.
It is details such as these that can bring about confusion, as well as the belief that every ticket is the same amount no matter what violation they committed. An individual may receive a $25 ticket one day, then $50 another day, and another time, and finally a $75 ticket and feel as if the price of the same ticket is increasing.
Another issue many have had with the situation on campus is that parking still can seem limited during the weekdays. Since on-campus students and their designated parking location can be extremely far from some of their classes, many feel it necessary to drive to their class. The problem that arises is that students who live on campus are obligated by university policy to stay in their designated parking area from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking decals state where a car should be parked, (whether in University College, Phase III, etc.) and if a car is not where it should be parked or is missing a decal, then it’s subject to being ticketed, since parking spaces are needed for commuting students. Because of this, many students feel hassled in just getting to class.
However, Washington said it was important to take note of the measures the administration has taken to lessen the burden.
“We have provided the shuttle service for free to help students who have an issue with walking long distances.”
Overall, Washington felt it was important that students familiarize themselves with the rules, regulations, and policies of parking on campus.
“People don’t understand these rules, which leads to lots of frustration.”
For more information, you can reach Washington’s department at (936) 857-2950 or ext. 2638.