Number of parking citations on the rise
Since the beginning of the 2024 spring semester, students, staff and faculty have seen an uptick in parking citations from 459 parking citations in 2022 to 678 between Jan. 17 through Feb. 7. This comes after the University Police Department (UPD) received an upgrade in their parking citations system. From 2022 to 2023 the financial amount of parking tickets has risen from $79,000 to $120,142.50. As of Feb.7, the current number is at $40,620 which is expected to rise as the semester goes on.
One big change comes in the form of a portable printer that officers and employees can carry around with them. When an officer sees a vehicle in violation, they will call it in to dispatch before sending a picture that includes the license plate as well as proof of a parking permit not visible or the incorrect parking permit displayed. Once this is complete, the citation is printed and left on the windshield of the vehicle.
“Along with the acquisition of the new equipment that we did not have before for ticket writers we now have ticket writing personnel that are assigned to go out and issue tickets,” UPD Chief Julian Cavazos said.
If a vehicle is not moved for a period, it will receive three more citations as well as a boot before eventually being towed away. Many of these citations stem from the lack of parking permits being used by students. With the high prices of a parking permit, students are unable to purchase a new one every school year. Since 2022, the number of funds brought in through students buying a parking permit has decreased with the number going from $528,429.70 in 2022 to $415,736.35 in 2024.
“The prices of a parking permit have gotten too high for some students,” senior Jessica Garcia said. “Both the prices of the permits and the parking lot situation have made it difficult for students to find proper parking and be on time to class.”
Some students have expressed an alternative option for payment of the parking permit would either be implementing a payment plan option or have it added to the tuition students have to pay. “Along with the tuition there should be an option to register your car just so it can be paid along with everything else,” junior Jenisah Tejeda said.