Campus parking regulations tighten for winter months
No vehicle is allowed to park overnight on campus from Nov. 1 to April 1 each academic year, according to a press release from USU Parking and Transportation. It also stated students are advised to drive and walk carefully throughout these winter months and to plan accordingly so they have enough time to get to the places they need without rushing.
Lisa Leishman, director of Parking and Transportation, said parking is restricted from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. throughout these winter months in order to remove snow. She said this rule applies to all the parking lots on campus except for the residence hall parking areas.
“We want to remind people it’s the winter season and we want them to be aware of the winter parking regulations. We also hope they will drive and walk carefully during the upcoming winter months and plan ahead so they are not rushed to get to class or work,” Leishman said.
The removal of snow in the parking lots on campus is performed by the Facilities Operations per the guidelines established by the Parking Office. Leishman said these rules apply to all vehicles on campus, including government and state vehicles. She said state vehicles have a designated area where they are allowed to park overnight.
Risk Management Officer Joe Dulin said, “Our three main problems in the winter months are frozen pipes, vehicle accidents because people drive too fast in the winter and people slipping and falling. I would say we are the busiest from Dec. 15 to March 15 from dealing with those types of issues. We just want people to slow down when it starts snowing so nobody gets hurt.”
According to the USU press release, “Facilities will begin removing snow in the parking lots when 2.5 inches of snow has accumulated. Snow removal on sidewalks begins when accumulations reach 0.5 inches in depth. Depending upon the time the storms arrive, sidewalks may not be completely cleared when students arrive on campus.”
Leishman said students should remember these regulations as the winter break approaches.
“We just want to remind people as they leave this holiday season, to not to leave their cars in the parking lots when they go,” she said. “We try to be proactive and we hope everyone will slow down and be safe this winter season.”
– s.k.b@aggiemail.usu.edu