Parking on campus has long been an issue that receives criticism from all levels of the University community. We acknowledge that there are problems yet to be addressed by the Office of Parking, Traffic & Transportation, and we on this board do not envy the job ahead of the office. But we do want to congratulate it on a job well done in rectifying the unfortunate situation stemming from parking tag holders melting in the heat of the hot Louisiana sun. The office implemented a new approach to tags this semester, offering tags that fit inside of a plastic sleeve with a hook at one end designed to hang the ticket from a driver’s rearview mirror. But some of these tags could not take the heat and fell from their perch. Gary Graham, director of the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation, told The Daily Reveille it was only 100 or so parking tag holders that were not able to withstand the sun’s heat as they were designed to do and fell from rearview mirrors, exposing many vehicles to the possibility of receiving parking tickets. While this is a small number, to those who received tickets, it was too many than was acceptable. Graham and the rest of the office saw the problem and have done an admirable job of replacing faulty tag holders, waiving parking tickets from students who could show that their melted tag holders were to blame for keeping their tag from being seen by parking officials and even reimbursing charges from those who were unfortunate enough to have their vehicle towed as a result. This is an example of administrative wherewithal and quick thinking that ought to be commended. No one enjoys getting a parking ticket, but to get one when no rule has been broken or law has been breached is especially frustrating. Thank you Gary Graham and the rest of the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation’s staff for taking action and doing what was right. It’s good to know you are looking out for the community you serve.
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