Concerns Rise Due to Increase in Parking Citations

     The number of citations that have been issued by transportation enforcement officers and campus police at the University of North Texas has increased nearly 16 percent over the last four years, according to a recent examination of enrollment figures. Most citations are issued at the beginning of the semester, particularly in the fall, due to the fact that incoming students are still figuring out the parking system.

 

 

       

      In the 2013 fiscal year alone, 32,883 parking citations were issued compared to 35,676 in 2017. This number is expected to increase this year, with over 24,000 citations having been distributed as of April 18.

     “We try to use those citations as learning opportunities, where we can explain why they got the citation, answer any questions about where they can park and help them figure out how to get where they’re going,” said Trista Moxley, Senior Communication Specialist for UNT Transportation Services. “We allow for all students, faculty and staff to receive one warning per academic year, but they have to request it, because our system isn’t set up to automatically flag first tickets. We have the opportunity to educate the UNT community about where they need to park to avoid citations in the future while also offering them a second chance.”

      With the increase of parking citations, students and staff are concerned about whether or not accommodations are being made to provide more parking. Last December, UNT opened up the second and third floor of Union Circle Garage and the seventh floor of Highland Street Garage for faculty and staff that purchased permits. Additionally, UNT is in the process of building new parking lots located on the south side of campus, with each new lot costing anywhere between 3 and 5 million dollars.                                                                                               

     “We’re always looking for available spaces and funding to increase parking for students, faculty and staff. Currently, our biggest project is the Fouts Field demolition and construction, which will add over 1,000 spaces for Resident and Eagle students.”

      Given that the creation of new lots is a significant financial undertaking for the university, there is currently no estimated date for the completion of all proposed lots. However, the Fouts Field lot, is expected to be unveiled by Fall of 2019. In the meantime, students and staff are encouraged to continue to support other eco-friendly transportation options such as biking or utilizing the campus shuttles.