Security tries to take control of parking

Student and staff parking concerns have been thrown in overdrive with the new parking regulations.

Parking at Oberlin is an issue of particular concern among students and has raised two important questions: where to park and how to avoid fines.

A number of changes have been made in traffic policies in an attempt to solve parking problems which have plagued the College for years. Director of Oberlin College Safety and Security Keith James said, "I just encourage that people register vehicles because we'll be vigorously enforcing the regulations."

For students who reside on campus, the most important of these new regulations is the annual vehicle registration fee of $30. However, commuting students pay $15 while students who reside off-campus do not pay a fee at all. According to James 205 students have registered their vehicles and there are an estimated 200 more who have un-registered vehicles on campus.

Students have mixed reactions to the new parking regulations. College sophomore Nioppa Elliott feels it wouldn't be too difficult to get a car registration. "I don't think it's too much of a problem if you just get one of those stickers," he said.

Other students are not as positive. One senior, who wished to remain anonymous because his car is not registered, said his reason for not having a permit is to avoid being ticketed. "I have more access since I live off-campus and can just park in a visitor area for a period of time," he said.

Some have had no problems. College sophomore Amanda Rea said, "I have enough spaces for where I go. Registering was easy."

A pamphlet entitled Motor Vehicle and Traffic Regulations, distributed by the Safety and Security office, outlines violations for which registration and parking privileges could be revoked. "I am urging officers to look at more serious violations. We're paying special attention to parking on the grass this year," said James.

One response to parking and traffic violations is the assuance fines. Fines start at $5, with $15 fines given for such violations as parking in a fire lane, unauthorized use of a handicapped space or parking in a no-parking zone or "any space not specifically designated for parking," such as the sidewalk or grass. "On a good day, an officer could issue 40 to 50 violations," said James.

Repeated violations may result in students' vehicles being immobilized by "The Boot", a mechanical device designed to immobilize a vehicle by locking the tire.

A major change is that first-years are now allowed to park their cars on campus. "First-years never had a tremendous impact on parking," said James. "We'd register 40 to 50 students each year anyway."

Visitors are urged to acquire guest and special parking permits at the Office of Safety and Security. Visitor spaces can not be used by faculty, staff and students between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. James said, "We hope that visitors will register vehicles. We know that's a tall order but we wish to encourage it."

In addition to the Office of Safety and Security's regulations, the City of Oberlin enforces an overnight parking ban for residential streets from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., Nov. 1 through April 1.

"Given the history of parking problems, we are moving in a positive direction," said James. Students who need information about parking regulations are advised to look at the pamphlet put together by Safety and Security.

The Boot: Security Officer Gary Kriesan puts the boot on an illegally parked car. (photo by John Matney)

Can you read?: Illegal parking is rampant at Oberlin, a fact that Security officers are trying to address. (photo by Noah Mewborn)