The University of Sunderland collected £308,450 from car parking fines in one year

An FOI request revealed that during the 2014-15 academic year, the University of Sunderland collected £308, 450.00 from car parking.

As a student, it can be difficult to manage finances, and putting our selves into thousands of pounds worth of debt can be a lot to think about. With tuition fees being so expensive it can sometimes be frustrating to have to pay for extras, such as car parking. Car parking is something that can’t be avoided at most places, but to park somewhere that we already pay thousands of pounds to, should it be so expensive?

After launching an FOI request to find out how much money the University of Sunderland collects from their campus car parks, the figure is quite shocking.

The statement continued to explain that the University of Sunderland uses car parking revenue to support Environmental and Sustainable initiative and projects.

Kirsty Paterson, Vice President: Community & Events of Students’ Union, said: “I feel there are many problems with car parking in regards to price/permits and availability but in relation to the price I don’t think it’s fair that students have to pay to park at an institution they already pay mass amounts to attend.

“Students who are unwilling to pay end up parking in back streets and are at risk of their car being vandalised or broken into. A reasonable solution would be to scrap car parking charges and work solely on a permit basis.”

At the University of Sunderland, students can apply for a free campus parking permit, however this doesn’t mean you can then park for free. This means students with the permit pay a reduced fee each day, but the money spent on parking soon adds up.

Those with a permit pay 35p per hour, and £1.30 per day, which seems minimal compared to those without one. To park in these car parks as a visitor and without a permit, it is £1.60 per hour.