Student parking, fair or not?

Parking on campus has changed a lot this year, causing an out roar, especially for students. The university have not only clamped down on who is allowed to park, they are also charging per day.

Being classed as a student living off campus I first had to apply for a parking permit online to see if I was eligible to park. Although, before I could even submit my application it was vital I gave my postcode in case I lived to close, which I do agree with because people that are within close walking distance should not take up a parking bay when they are needed by others.

Once my application had been accepted, I purchased my barrier card and drove to my first lecture of the year expecting to find a parking space, but at 9 O'clock in the morning I had to drive around for 15 minutes, turning up late for my lecture. Obviously I explained to my lecturer the situation but it angered me that the University are saying yes to parking permits to more people than parking spaces. I now have to leave half an hour before my lecture just to get a space when I only live at ten minute drive from campus.

When I received the email about my application it explained how as of January they will be charging 1 pound for a whole day. Now this price does not seem a lot, but when you weigh up how much we pay to attend university in the first place it does seem unfair. As I mentioned this will start up in January, therefore I will wait until then and see how organised it is as to whether I carry on parking on campus. Hopefully once the pay and display goes into action  not as many students will park because they will not want to pay. Another issue I have with the pay and display situation is that staff do not have to pay, and can park free for the whole day. After a conversation with my lecturer she explained how it has never been mentioned to staff that they have to pay. Now how is this fair? Why should us as students be treated differently to staff when it comes to parking. I mean at least staff are getting paid for their job, most students do not even have part time jobs, so once again students are having to rely on their parents.