ATHENS, Ohio -- Beginning Jan. 5, Ohio University Parking Services implemented its booting policy on certain vehicles in violation of university parking rules. The boots, which do not damage the vehicle, are small lightweight aluminum devices that immobilize the vehicle when it is locked on the tire.

In addition to booting, parking meters will be installed at more than 170 parking spaces on campus this summer. The metered spaces will be enforced beginning July 1 and will have a 30-minute or two-hour maximum time limit. The meters will be placed only in spots that are currently time-restricted.

The two initiatives are ways to enhance the effectiveness of Parking Services while providing improved customer service to campus. On July 1, Parking Services will become a self-supporting auxiliary unit and will not rely on support from the Ohio University general fund.

"Booting is a friendlier solution because it costs less to the owner of the vehicle than towing and the owner does not have to travel to an impound lot to retrieve the vehicle," says Sherry Barnes, director of transportation and parking services. "Our ultimate goal is to continue improving our practices and policies as we become an auxiliary unit and these new initiatives are major steps forward."

Vehicles parked on university property that will be eligible to be booted include:

• Those who receive three or more citations while parked in a time-restricted space or in front of an expired meter
• Those with three or more unpaid citations
• Those belonging to repeat offenders, which is defined as permit holders who have received more than five citations in one quarter
• Those displaying a stolen, altered, expired or lost permit or a permit issued to another permit holder
• Those displaying a permit attained by falsifying information
• Those that are abandoned for seven or more days or are visibly damaged or unable to be driven

Booted vehicles will receive an immobilization notice and instructions on how to have the boot removed. Arrangements to remove the boot must be made by the registered driver within 48 hours after receiving the boot or the vehicle will be subject to towing. The owners of these vehicles would then be responsible for paying both the booting and towing fines.

Owners of booted vehicles must report to the Parking Services Office or the Ohio University Campus Safety Office to pay the $50 recovery fee. The cost to recover a towed vehicle is between $75 and $100 and is payable to the respective towing company.

For more information, contact Parking Services at (740) 593-1917, parking@ohio.edu or visit the Parking Services Web site at www.facilities.ohiou.edu/parking.

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Media Contact: Media Specialist George Mauzy, (740) 597-1794 or mauzy@ohio.edu

Related Links: Parking Services