Fast Learners

Over 10,000 students and 2,700 staff; a 64 hectare campus site; users including postgraduate and international students, researchers and conference delegates all year around, not to mention visitors attending concerts and other events. That would be a considerable parking challenge for anyone, yet the University of York has coped so well that its work was submitted as an entry for the 2010 British Parking Awards for Off-Street Parking Team of the Year.

How this thriving university manages its car parking has drawn praise from the British Parking Association and made it the envy of other universities. Helping the University of York set such standards is the fact that parking policy is placed within the universitys wider environmental objections, within its Sustainable Travel Plan. Furthermore, excellent teamwork and staff retention has been fostered by developing staff who have been recognised as having a key, professional role within the University, rather than being people seen as simply slapping tickets on cars.

Travel Plan Co-ordinator Fiona Macey, working with Alpha Parking, has increased confidence and professionalism of her car parking attendants by introducing a comprehensive training course specifically designed for university car parking staff, including a cycling proficiency test for car park attendants!

The off-street team is crucial in delivering the sustainable travel plan. Its aims include:
Avoid discouraging staff and students from using the campus
Catering for people with disabilities
Maintaining the universitys green characteristics and a safe, clean environment
Encouraging forms of transport other than driving
Attracting local people to a range of cultural and sporting activities
Effectively regulate parking, and manage parking at large events

The university owns and operates several campus car parks as well as external sites, which provide around 1,700 parking spaces, including pay-and-display spaces, along with a range of permits for staff, students and visitors. The City of York caps the overall number of parking spaces, so these cannot be increased to meet demand.

Fiona Maceys work on travel planning includes considering travel options for staff and students and promoting forms of transport other than driving. She has developed an integrated package spanning a cycle scheme, cycle days, car-sharing and reduced bus fares. Where they once drove from campus to campus, car parking attendants (CPAs) now cycle between them.

All CPAs have passed their cycling proficiency test with top marks, says Fiona. By setting a good example to staff and students, we expect more people to cycle. High standards of lighting, signage, surveillance and cleanliness are reflected in the eight Park Mark awards for the universitys staff and public car parks.

Fiona Maceys work on travel planning includes considering travel options for staff and students and promoting forms of transport other than driving. She has developed an integrated package spanning a cycle scheme, cycle days, car-sharing and reduced bus fares. Where they once drove from campus to campus, car parking attendants (CPAs) now cycle between them.

All CPAs have passed their cycling proficiency test with top marks, says Fiona. By setting a good example to staff and students, we expect more people to cycle.

High standards of lighting, signage, surveillance and cleanliness are reflected in the eight Park Mark awards for the universitys staff and public car parks.

Staff abusing the system first receive a warning, then a 50 CPN on their second strike. Keith says: The 09.15 bays are a way to get to know people. Ive even stood in a 09.15 bay for save it for a mum desperate for a space near her office.