The new campus car parking scheme will be introduced on 1 January, 2019.

The University will invite applicants for new permits in Sept/Oct 2018. People will be informed of the outcome of their application in November 2018.

The existing permit scheme will close on 31 December 2018. The University will extend the current permits for existing holders until 31 December 2018. Permit charges for the additional months will be charged pro-rata.‌‌‌

There are several reasons for introducing a new car parking management system.

The pressure for parking spaces is intensifying at Gilmorehill; we need to optimise use of the limited number of spaces we have on campus.‌

The current permit scheme has been in place for a considerable time without any significant review. Some members of staff have held permits since the early 1970s, while more recent members of staff have not had an opportunity to apply for a permit. We want to put policies in place that are as fair as possible to all members of staff, taking into account their personal circumstances.

The Gilmorehill campus will undergo significant change over the next five to 10 years with intensified contractor activity during the delivery of major construction works. We need clear policies and regulations around vehicle management and enforcement during this period.

Permits will be allocated to those with the greatest need by assessing applications against agreed criteria. The criteria will be based on the principles of fairness and equality and will cover:

  • Disability
  • Requirements for using a vehicle for Business Purposes
  • Contractual requirements for early or late working
  • Access to realistic alternatives for travel
  • Caring responsibilities for dependants

Appeals

Any appeal against the decision whether to issue a permit or not will be dealt with by the University in line with the criteria based assessment and the scheme’s operating code of practice. Further proof of evidence may be requested. A written response will be issued to the appellant.

Annual renewal

Under the current scheme, permits are issued on a lifetime basis and are only surrendered if members choose to give them up or when they leave the University. Whilst this minimises the administrative burden it does not take into account changes in individual circumstances or changes in business needs. It is also unfair to newer members of staff.

Under the new system, applicants will be required to re-apply for a permit each year. This will mean that an individual’s changing circumstances can be considered or re-considered and any significant changes to the campus (such as an overall decrease in parking spaces) can be taken into account with a more responsive scheme.

Charges

The current cost of permits remains low compared to other employers and effectively acts as a disincentive to use public transport. The cost of permits will be reviewed annually and the permit charges in 2019/20 will be:

  • Gilmorehill and Tay House standard annual permits will cost £300 per annum
  • Garscube standard annual permits will cost £200 for staff and £150 
  • A motorcycle permit will be £150 per annum for either campus
  • Occasional Permit will be £1.50 per day/£15 for block of 10 days. The cost for the maximum of 80 permitted days purchased will be £120 for both Gilmorehill and Garscube.

Travel discounts

It is recognised that not everyone will be eligible for a permit and the majority of staff currently travel by other means. In order to provide additional incentive and support for public transport travel the University recently announced the launch of two travel discount schemes for staff to help reduce the cost of their commute.

The incentives include an interest-free rail season ticket loan or interest free loan to purchase an annual SPT zone card allowing unlimited journeys on bus, train and subway; and a Bus Travel Discount Scheme with a 10% discount on a monthly mTicket from FirstBus Glasgow. These are in addition to existing schemes such as Cycle Plus, JourneyShare and free NextBike Hire.

Eligibility of students

Given the pressure on spaces at Gilmorehill, the Car Parking Working Group feels that permits should only be issued to students based at Garscube Campus. Students who are Blue badge holders will automatically be eligible, at any location.

Facilitating irregular car usage

We want to make it easier for staff to vary their mode of transport (for example by using public transport on most days and using their private cars occasionally). To this end, we are introducing Occasional permits - £1.50 per day up to a maximum of 80 days per year; £120 for 80 days.


David Duncan
Chair, Car Parking Working Group

First published: 9 August 2018

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