DORIS WANG
News Writer

University of Saskatchewan parking services will be implementing a list of new and revised bylaws for on-campus traffic and parking, starting in November.

It has been almost 20 years since the regulations were last updated and the rules have been newly revised to reflect more current practices and legal and updated terminology. Fine amounts have also changed for some violations.

The most prominent change, however, is that the regulations are no longer called “regulations.” They are now “bylaws.” Another terminology change is the wording “persons with a disability” to replace what had previously been termed “handicaps.”

“The bylaws are updated to be consistent with the current technology and language,” said Judy Walker, manager of parking services. “We would like to provide safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable services to drivers who use our parking lots.”

Other changes include a bylaw which prohibits the unauthorized use of electrical outlets and a fine for leaving the engine running at loading docks. Forgery of parking permits and reselling permits for gain will also be fined.

According to Wendy Novakovski, supervisor at Parking Services, parking permits have been duplicated and sold at alarming prices.

“We would like to provide parking for those who need it at a consistent rate,” she said, “and it was difficult when people are allowed to scalp and profit from their fellow students.”

Novakovski also said that the new bylaws will allow Parking Services to seek out scalpers through online websites and advertising permits on campus. It would also permit them to do their own investigation and fine the violators rather than charge them under the criminal code, as was required under the old regulations.

Lin Zhang, a graduate student, said she has mixed feelings about the changes. Although she feels that people should be punished for violating parking bylaws, she feels uneasy about the increase in fines for violations such as parking in a lot for persons with disability (which will be raised to $100, more than double the previous amount).

“I think they should stay the same as before,” Zhang said. “Students don’t have a lot of money to spare to pay for parking tickets.”

Similar to previous regulations, there will still be a reduction for tickets paid within 14 days of issuance. Other changes include an anti-pass back legislation to stop users with vehicle identification devices from sharing them with others illegally and a section which punishes those who leave the pay parking lot without paying. Parking services will also be towing vehicles with outstanding unpaid fines.

“We hope that people will choose to follow the bylaws,” says Judy Wall, manager of parking services, “and help us provide a safe and friendly environment for all those who park on campus.”

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image: Matt Stratton