With the beginning of the school year comes a greater police presence and an even more crowded parking lot, however, there are simple things that students should do to avoid a violation while still getting to class on time.
Kate Cleveland, 20, childcare major, thinks that speeding in the parking lots to get to class a little bit earlier is not worth the risk of getting a ticket and putting people’s lives in danger.
“People shouldn’t act like speeding bullets in the parking lot,” said Cleveland. “Slow down.”
There are two ways to go about getting parking permits at Moorpark College. Students have the option to purchase a $50 semester long pass which is available for purchase online at any time during the semester. After buying it online, students can print their temporary pass while the parking permit is being mailed to them. Otherwise, daily parking pass machines can be found throughout the parking lots for $2 a day.
Some students at Moorpark College, like Steven Eden, 19, feel that parking at the college can be a bit too pricy in addition to what we are already paying for our education.
“It’s kind of expensive,” said Eden. “I feel like parking should be free.”
Lt. Greg Beckley of the Moorpark College Campus Police says that compared to other colleges in California, we have generally low daily and semester long costs for permitted parking.
“We have the lowest parking fees in the state,” said Beckley.
On the other hand, parking tickets are expensive compared to the cost of the daily parking permits. One parking violation can result in a fee of $50.
There are things you can do to increase your chances of finding a spot before your class starts. Lieutenant Beckley suggests allowing yourself plenty of time to find parking, especially in the first few weeks while the lots are still overcrowded.
“Get here early and give yourself time to get a spot,” suggests Beckley.
Moorpark College has put an effort into the parking security of its facilities for the well being of all those who enter the campus. This security also aids the police in their efforts to prevent and follow up on property damages.
There are currently over 140 cameras around the campus and throughout the parking lots. Included in this number are the cameras at every parking pass machine in the lots.
The increase in parking security has resulted in an increase of citations which are being given for parking violations and traffic infractions of all kinds. Talking on the phone, speeding, and misusing reserved parking spots without the proper passes are just a few of the reasons students are being written up .
Beckley advises students to drive safely and follow school rules when utilizing the campus.
“Due to the rise in accidents and traffic mishaps surrounding the start of the fall semester, the Highway Patrol and campus enforcement will be beefing up patrol on campus and in the surrounding areas,” said Beckley.
