Parking expands services available online
Staff, faculty can soon pay citations, purchase a variety of permits on the web

03 April 2002 | Getting a parking ticket is always infuriating, but paying for it is now easier, thanks to a new service that allows offenders to make citation payments online.

“Those who receive tickets can avoid the hassle of ‘snail mail’ or coming to our office to pay tickets by visiting our web site,” said Nadesan Permaul, director of Parking and Transportation.

He noted that the new service is not only more convenient, but allows customers to pay citations — which have gone up in price — “in a more timely manner, which reduces late fee penalties.”

Campus parking permit holders may now view unpaid citations, issued since April 1, 2000, over the Internet as well.

And beginning next month, several types of campus parking permits can be purchased online using a credit card. See public-safety.berkeley.edu/p&t/permit.html for a listing of permits that may be purchased on the web Previously, faculty and staff could only purchase permits through a payroll deduction.

Staff covered by unions currently in contract negotiations are unable to use this online service until rates are established through the bargaining process.

These upgrades are part of Parking and Transportation’s e-Parking services. Launched last year, the program was developed under the auspices of the e-Berkeley initiative, which seeks to reduce paperwork by putting more campus information and services online.

In other parking news, the cost of citations will rise this month.

“With the current demand for parking,” said Permaul, “the campus has adjusted its fines to be in line with the City of Berkeley and other UC campuses.”

General infractions will rise from $28 to $40. As a small consolation, those who pay their tickets within 14 days under a new Early-Pay Incentive Program, will receive a 20 percent discount, which reduces the fee for a general infraction to $32.

Campus permit holders are not expected to be greatly impacted by rate increase, as they make up only 20 percent of the tickets issued, said Permaul.

For information, visit the Parking & Transportation web site at www.berkeley.edu/parking.