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Why bother looking for a 'free' parking spot?

Parking tickets at Green River are just a joke

Published: Friday, June 4, 2010

Updated: Friday, June 4, 2010 22:06

LBC Parking ticket

Tyler Kion

Can't park there!!!!

 

Why even bother following the parking rules, wasting time trying to find one of those rare open parking spots, barely making it to class on time or even at all? Students can so easily get parking ticket dismissed.
Why go out of the way to Pacific Raceway when students can get a staff pass for free? Are these tickets just a joke?
If a student recieves a ticket or “citation” on campus for parking where they are not supposed to, the charge range is only $10 to $175 (depending on the violation).
Parking violations are cited if someone parks anywhere but the general parking spaces for all vehicles. Parking in carpool spaces before 10:30 a.m. without a valid permit can earn a $10 fine. Also, parking in fire zones or no parking zones can earn a hefty ticket as well. Staff spaces are off limits if there is no staff pass. And, parking in a handicap space will earn a whopping $175 fine.
But do not fear; students don’t actually have to pay these fines.
Attached to the citation will be a coupon that says boldly “Make this Citation Disappear.”
Under the citation there is a deal Green River will make: “Park and Ride the GRCC Shuttle at Pacific Raceways for one day and your ticket will be waived. Bring this coupon and your citation with you for validation.” Authorized by Fred Creek, director of campus safety.
If you are running late to class and don’t want to waste your time on the difficult people and outrageous traffic, then it only makes sense to take advantage of this loop hole. Park in a staff spot if there are ones available, or even park in a handicap spot if you are daring (or late) enough.
In this set of circumstances, I would encourage all students to take advantage of this system. Why not? All fines will be waved. You just have to be on top of which tickets you haven’t paid and which days you have time to take the shuttle. But if you can, more power to you.
Another problem with the system is that recently a student who got his car broken into received a staff parking pass for his troubles, so he can now get it broken into closer to school.
The staff has to pay for their passes, but according to Karen Gibson of Campus Safety, since the student got his car broken into twice “we gave him a staff pass”.
If you have also had your car broken into, ask yourself, “Do I deserve a staff pass?” I say you do!
There is too much leniency and inconsistency here with the parking rules. Anyone could stage a break-in, having to pay for a broken window could be less than having to save in the gas money it takes to drive around the campus to look for a spot. Also it will save you time.

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