Dear VU Students
Carparking Policy
After extensive consultation over the last twelve months the University has approved a new Carparking Policy. A copy of the policy is available at : http://wcf.vu.edu.au/GovernancePolicy/PDF/POP080515000.PDF.
One of the primary reasons for introducing the policy is that there is a need to upgrade and expand our carparks but, as the University is not funded for carpark works, a funding source is required to ensure that valuable resources are not diverted from teaching and research activities.
Carpark improvement and expansion works are already planned at St Albans. Improvements to car-parking on other campuses will follow. Funds raised from carparking fees will be used to improve carparks as well as to promote and encourage the use of alternative means of travel.
Fees
The fees for parking have been set at $2 per day for students. All staff and students who use the carpark will be required to pay, there are no exceptions. The policy does not allow the use of University funds to purchase permits or tickets for staff and/or students.
Implementation
The implementation of this policy will begin on 1 January 2009. Detailed procedures are currently under preparation and students will be kept informed during the lead up to that date.
Permits
Student parking will be through time-based ticket machines. This is in recognition of the fact that students require flexible arrangements for their activities at the University.
What is happening now
An extensive communication campaign is about to start. A new Parking page is being created for publication on the VU Internet/Intranet Site to provide all staff and students with detailed information about the new arrangements.
In the next few weeks you will see signs erected in all VU carparks advising drivers that fees will be introduced as from 1 January 2009.
New time-based ticket machines will be installed throughout the campus carparks. The machines located at Footscray Nicholson, Newport and Sunshine campuses will be upgraded as part of this process. A ticket issued at one campus will be valid for all campuses.
A regular Parking at VU News Bulletin will be published to keep you informed of developments. A set of Frequently Asked Questions is attached for your information. If you have any further enquiries about the implementation of the policy please send an email to parking@vu.edu.au.
Jon Hickman
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Capital and Management Services
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The University Car Parking Policy has recently been approved by the Vice-Chancellor. Detailed procedures are currently being prepared. The following set of FAQ's has been prepared to assist students and staff to understand the likely new arrangements.
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QUESTION |
ANSWER |
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Will all staff and students pay fees? |
All staff and students will pay fees however, residents of Student Village and Sunbury Hall will not be required to pay fees to park at Student Village and in the resident parking area at Sunbury campus. |
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When will charging start? |
The new arrangements will start 1 January 2009. |
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How will fees be charged? |
An annual fee will be charged to staff for an annual permit. Annual permits will be $300 and will able to be salary sacrificed (for those who are eligible). For those staff who do not wish to purchase an annual permit, short term payment options such scratchie tickets will be available. Scratchie tickets will cost $2 per day |
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What will I get for my annual permit fee? |
The payment of a permit fee provides the right to park on University campuses but, as is typically the case at other universities, the permit does not guarantee a car parking space. |
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What are the arrangements for student parking? |
A time based payment system will apply in student parking areas. The fee will be $2 per day. |
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What improvements will be made to the existing car parks? |
The funds received will be used to improve the conditions at all car parks and to encourage alternative means of travel. An extension to the St Albans carpark has already been approved by Council and design work is underway. Other improvement projects will follow. Funds will also be applied towards encouraging alternative means of travel. |
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Will paying fees bring about more car parking places |
In many locations the availability of land and/or municipal zoning restricts the ability to extend car parking. However, where there is a demonstrated need and additional car parking can be provided, the necessary works will be undertaken |
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What happens if I need to park at more than one campus in a day? |
Permits will be valid at each University site (other than the commercial car park at City Flinders). Similarly, a time based ticket purchased at one campus/site will be valid at all other locations |
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What are the hours of operation? |
8.30am-5.00pm Monday to Friday. |
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What fees apply for part-time staff? |
Staff working part-time (0.4 time fraction or greater) may elect to purchase an annual permit through salary packaging arrangements. The cost for part-time staff is calculated on a proportional time fraction basis. OR Staff working part-time may elect to purchase scratchie tickets at $2 per day. |
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What fees apply for sessional or casual staff? |
Sessional or casual staff can purchase scratchie tickets at $2 per day. |
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I ride a motorcycle to University, will I have to pay the parking fee? |
No. |
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What action will be taken to encourage alternative travel? |
A carpooling program has already been introduced. Additional bicycle racks and secure storage and shower facilities at Footscray Nicholson and Footscray Park are planned |
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What will happen at the University's Child Care Centres? |
Free short term parking will be available for parents dropping off or picking up their children. |
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Will fees apply on weekends and after hours? |
Time based fees will not be charged on weekends or after hours. |
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What happens at other universities? |
All other Melbourne based universities charge for car parking. |
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Does the policy apply at the City Flinders carpark? |
No, the policy does not apply at the commercial carpark operation at 300 Flinders Street. |
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Will visitors to the University need to pay fees? |
Visitors will be required to either pay a daily meter charge or display a visitor permit on their vehicle. Organisational units will be able to purchase visitor permits and make them available to visitors. |
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I have a disability permit from my local Council, do I have to pay? |
Yes, just as occurs with local council parking, this permit allows the driver to park in parking spaces but the relevant parking fee must still be paid. |
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Will there be any intercampus travel zones? |
The trial intercampus zone at Footscray Park has proved to be successful and it is intended that similar areas will be created at other campuses. |
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Will there be any reserved parking bays? |
As is currently the case, parking spaces on the campus (north side) at Footscray Park will be reserved parking. Limited reserved parking will be available at other campuses. |
