Issue date: 10/15/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Lindsey Oyler/Alestle Pulling into Lot B by the Student Success Center, a guest pays at the Pay and Display units. Signs are also posted by the entrances, required by the state to be within five feet of the entrance and at least four feet above the ground. The signs in Lot B state that a permit is required, but do not mention towing possibilities.

Drew Russell, a junior computer management and information services major from St. Louis, has accumulated a few tickets in his time at SIUE.

"I've had 15 to 20 citations over three years," Russell said, "and most of them are just meter citations. We need more leeway."

According to Director of Administration Services Robert Vanzo, students can face even further penalties if tickets pile up, with towing being one of these penalties under the Scofflaw Bill.

"Scofflaw is defined as someone who violates the law in excess of $100 that has not been paid," Vanzo said.

According to Assistant to Director of Administrative Service Tony Langendorf, parking citations begin at $15 and accumulate until the violator acquires three separate unpaid citations. At that time other measures are taken, including towing. The Scofflaw violation can only be issued when the car is found under violation.

The Illinois Vehicle Code states that vehicles improperly parked or in Scofflaw violation "… are subject to being removed at the owner or operator's expense, any property owner or lessor, prior to towing or removing any vehicle from private property without the consent of the owner or other legally authorized person in control of that vehicle, must post a notice…."

However, according to the Illinois Vehicle Code, in order to properly enforce Scofflaw towing, a sign must also be placed at each lot entrance. Otherwise, the authority enforcing Scofflaw is penalized.

State policy concerning Scofflaw and towing publicity enforces signs within five feet of every entrance, at least four feet above the ground covering the Scofflaw towing policy for every entry. However, SIUE has chosen a different route.

Continued...

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