Unpaid tickets will bring tow truck

Antoinette Bernich
News Reporter

Students and employees who have more than $500 in outstanding parking fines may have their cars towed.

Bob Vanzo, director of administrative services, said the new policy is in effect to help protect the people who follow the proper procedures for parking.

"We're starting with people who have over $500 in accumulated debt. These people are the chronic offenders. Some of these people are students who are getting into large financial trouble by racking up debts," Vanzo said.

According to Vanzo, one employee has an outstanding debt of $8,500. Vanzo said the employee must pay or the employee's car will be towed the next time a parking services agent sees the car in an SIUE parking lot.

"As a state agency, we are under an obligation to collect the money. The bursar does a great job pursuing debtors," Vanzo said. "Unfortunately, some students are letting their payments go to accounts receivable to get paid through their financial aid. This could prevent them from getting the money they need for their classes."

Cars that have been towed will be going to Cross Towing in Hamel. Vanzo said the university chose Cross Towing because it is a solid company and is open on weekends, making the company more accessible than others.

"Cars with only one offense will not be towed," Vanzo said. "We are not going after infrequent violators and people who pay their fines."

Vanzo said many students get tickets for parking in lots to which their stickers are not assigned.

"We want to let students know that if there is a problem with parking, let us know," Vanzo said. "We want to try to help the students, but if they don't tell us about a problem, we can't help them."