Spring Break
UA enforces scooter rules on campus
Taniah Tudor
Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: News
Though Vinson said he never has done such a thing, he knew someone who was caught last year with his scooter in an elevator in the Harmon Avenue Parking Garage.
Pedestrians were also calling with complaints of nearly being hit on sidewalks by scooters, said UAPD director Steve Gahagans.
With the increased scooter usage and complaints, it became an issue that had to be addressed, Gahagans said.
Members from various UA departments, including University Housing, University Relations, UA Transit and Parking and the UAPD, met to plan for the resolution of scooter issues on campus.
Parking regulations have already been changed, and Voorhies, Gilbride and Gahagans all said enforcement will begin with verbal and written warnings and then will increase to written citations.
One of the reasons Vinson purchased a scooter was the convenience of being able to park close to his classes, he said.
But scooter drivers will no longer be allowed to park in bicycle racks, and they must purchase a permit to park in the newly allocated scooter parking locations. The locations are spread around campus but are relegated to areas with street access.
UA Transit and Parking officials are giving parking violators a warning that will go on their parking account, Gilbride said, and then they will receive a citation.
"We have already begun to give out warnings," Gahagans said Monday. "We gave out quite a few today."
UAPD officials gave out warnings over the summer, Gahagans said, and they will continue to give warnings only through the first week of class. Stronger enforcement will begin next week, he said.
"I think the tolerance will be very low for driving on sidewalks," Voorhies said.
Vinson said that though he had renewed his parking permit for his scooter, he was unaware of any changes in parking regulations or enforcement.
Students are supposed to be informed of the new parking regulations when they purchase a parking permit, Gilbride said, and a UA "Daily Headlines" press release on Tuesday, Aug. 19, was also meant to inform students of the enforcement of state law and parking regulations.
Gahagans said their purpose in giving warnings is to try to inform students of the law.
"Keep in mind, we support the alternative means of travel," Gahagans said. "We just want to make sure people are safe."
Lt. Matt Mills, supervisor of UAPD Patrol Services, said drivers caught riding their scooters on UA sidewalks will receive a citation for "all other moving violations," which carries a fine of $35. Administrative charges for traffic and parking violations can be located on the UA Transit and Parking Department Web site.
Pedestrians were also calling with complaints of nearly being hit on sidewalks by scooters, said UAPD director Steve Gahagans.
With the increased scooter usage and complaints, it became an issue that had to be addressed, Gahagans said.
Members from various UA departments, including University Housing, University Relations, UA Transit and Parking and the UAPD, met to plan for the resolution of scooter issues on campus.
Parking regulations have already been changed, and Voorhies, Gilbride and Gahagans all said enforcement will begin with verbal and written warnings and then will increase to written citations.
One of the reasons Vinson purchased a scooter was the convenience of being able to park close to his classes, he said.
But scooter drivers will no longer be allowed to park in bicycle racks, and they must purchase a permit to park in the newly allocated scooter parking locations. The locations are spread around campus but are relegated to areas with street access.
UA Transit and Parking officials are giving parking violators a warning that will go on their parking account, Gilbride said, and then they will receive a citation.
"We have already begun to give out warnings," Gahagans said Monday. "We gave out quite a few today."
UAPD officials gave out warnings over the summer, Gahagans said, and they will continue to give warnings only through the first week of class. Stronger enforcement will begin next week, he said.
"I think the tolerance will be very low for driving on sidewalks," Voorhies said.
Vinson said that though he had renewed his parking permit for his scooter, he was unaware of any changes in parking regulations or enforcement.
Students are supposed to be informed of the new parking regulations when they purchase a parking permit, Gilbride said, and a UA "Daily Headlines" press release on Tuesday, Aug. 19, was also meant to inform students of the enforcement of state law and parking regulations.
Gahagans said their purpose in giving warnings is to try to inform students of the law.
"Keep in mind, we support the alternative means of travel," Gahagans said. "We just want to make sure people are safe."
Lt. Matt Mills, supervisor of UAPD Patrol Services, said drivers caught riding their scooters on UA sidewalks will receive a citation for "all other moving violations," which carries a fine of $35. Administrative charges for traffic and parking violations can be located on the UA Transit and Parking Department Web site.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 7
Amanda Smith
posted 2/21/09 @ 8:04 AM CST
scooter rules on campus is very good idea
Alex
posted 2/21/09 @ 4:54 PM CST
"Complaints have been received by officials at the UA Transit and Parking Department, the UA Police Department and University Housing, Voorhies said."
So basically, no actual students have complained about the scooters?
Do you smell it? Mmm, bureaucracy. (Continued…)
Alioth
posted 2/21/09 @ 6:51 PM CST
Alex, are you illiterate? It said complaints were received by the UA Police Department. It didn't say who complained. Students can call the UA Police. (Continued…)
Bman
posted 2/24/09 @ 2:50 PM CST
The "beaucracy" wasn't going to touch this until there were enough moron students driving on sidewalks and through the interior of campus (which was ALWAYS illegal!) to force their hand. (Continued…)
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