YPSILANTI, Mich. (WXYZ) — A new private vendor is handing out 64% more parking violations year-to-year (Fall 2017-Fall 2018) on campus at Eastern Michigan University according to statistics verified by the university.
Some students tell us the cost is just piling on to an already high cost of getting an education.
“We already have to worry about books and tuition, a parking pass and now more of this is really adding up,” says college senior Marissa Haller.
7 Action News has confirmed that EMU received a $55 million dollar payment from a private vendor in order to take over parking services. Since then in a comparison year-to-year during fall, there were more than $80,000 in additional fines issued.
University spokesman Geoff Larcom says the money received up front from LAZ services has actually made a tremendous difference in paying for building improvements.
“The money is having a major impact in making our buildings and programs better,” says Larcom.
He adds that the more aggressive enforcement is also utilizing license plate scanners to ensure people aren’t using up spots paid for by valid permit holders.
EMU also defends the appeal process, telling us anyone who wishes to dispute a ticket can do so online or through university resources.
