Many people in the University community have questions about the new parking regulations. The Advance has some answers from Bill Barrett, director of transportation and parking services, in this Q & A.

What is the difference between this year's employee permits and last year's faculty and staff permits?

Employee permits allow faculty and staff from any UConn campus to park in any lot other than the center campus restricted areas. Unauthorized cars parked in the center of campus will be ticketed and/or towed. There is currently no charge for faculty and staff to park in outlying lots, although students already pay for parking. "Employee R" permits allow parking in the campus core as well as in any other lot.

Are there restrictions on driving through the center of campus?

For the time being, the restrictions are on parking in the campus core, not driving through it, although it is hoped that the parking restrictions will decrease the flow of traffic through the core.

Where can we park if all the employee spaces are taken?

Employees are entitled to park in any student lot, if all employee spaces are taken. However, you are encouraged to park in employee lots whenever possible, to leave space for students to park.

Is parking available for disabled people in the center of campus?

Yes, and there is currently no charge for those spaces.

What are the parking regulations overnight?

Except where otherwise posted, all lots are open to all comers, Monday through Friday 5 p.m. - 7 a.m. Students and others may park in the center of campus overnight, provided that they move their car by 7 a.m.; otherwise it will be ticketed and/or towed.

For those who have Employee R permits, is there an assurance of finding spaces close to our destinations? Is it possible that, even with an Employee R permit, spaces will not be available in the center of campus during peak periods?

Campus core parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so the most popular spaces may be filled by 9 a.m. However, you will be able to find a space in center campus: with the addition of the Dow field parking area, there are as many spaces as the permits that were given out.

Will the raffle for center campus parking be run every semester? What are the arrangements for next semester?

The raffle will be run once a year. Current holders of Employee R permits will be billed for the spring semester.

When the parking garage opens, will there be a charge for spaces?

The garage will have some restricted parking and other spaces available to any employee, student or visitor, for an hourly or monthly fee, on a first-come, first-served basis. Rates are under discussion.

Will there still be reserved spots around campus?

Yes, special spots, identified by signs, are reserved for University officials, deans and carpools, who will each pay $300 per semester for the privilege. The fee, which was instituted in January at a rate of $200 per semester, is paid out of pocket.

If you are driving a state vehicle and don't have an Employee R permit, where can you park?

You may park in any non-restricted employee parking area or student lot.

Where can retired employees park?

Retired employees may apply to the Parking Services office for a pass that will entitle them to park in any non-restricted employee lot or student lot. Alternatively, they may park in metered lots, where they will need to pay at the meter.

Will provisions be made to improve walking conditions in and from outlying lots?

The University will make a concerted effort to keep walkways clear. Also, the shuttle bus system has been expanded, with new routes and more buses.

More questions? Check for parking updates at the Transportation and Parking Services website.