The University will introduce a new, simplified car parking charge system for everyone who parks their car on campus during semester from the start of the new academic year on 10 September 2012.

The new system follows a review of the existing parking charges, which identified the inequality of charging staff and students to bring cars on campus, but not charging visitors.

Tony Kopsch, Head of Facilities, says, "Pay and display parking will be introduced for visitors who park their car on campus, but will operate only from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, during semester time.

"The cost will depend on the length of stay and will range from 50p for one hour to �3.00 for a full day.

"Charges to visitors will apply only during semester time and only for week days during that time as these are the hours of peak demand. For 215 days of the year there will be no charge for parking.

"A simplified permit system will be introduced for staff and students, retaining a range of permit and payment options." The new car parking system will include improved drop-off facilities, where cars may wait for up to 15 minutes, and more disabled parking bays. Those who attend Airthrey Park Medical Centre will be provided with a free token by the Centre.

The pay and display system will be managed by the University: University security staff will monitor permits and pay and display tickets on cars parked on the campus, as well as continuing to enforce the University's Traffic and Parking Regulations.

Tony Kopsch continues: "The University does not make a profit from car parking charges. The charges help pay for maintenance of the Automated Number Plate Recognition system, while any surplus is reinvested in other car parking improvements and green travel initiatives.

"We would encourage everyone coming to the University to consider using sustainable transport." Further information, and the University's Traffic and Parking Regulations, can be found at www.stir.ac.uk/about/getting-here/