The University of Mississippi Department of Parking & Transportation recently issued an update that backing into or pulling through a parking spot would result in a citation. This policy update was laying the groundwork for a License Plate Recognition system that would scan a plate and know if a parking permit had been issued to that vehicle.
Community outcry was nearly instant. A student even began a petition on change.org, that as of writing has gained over 1,800 signatures, which demanded the university revert this policy change.
Today, June 14, the department of Parking & Transportation issued an update, supplied to us by a University employee, that, “Based on feedback received over the past two days, we have reconsidered and will not be implementing the policy.”
The department goes on to say they will be moving forward with the License Plate Recognition Software, but, “will adjust the operation to accommodate those who back into or pull through spaces.”
The Full announcement can be read below:
On June 12, the university community received an email detailing a new policy requiring all vehicles to park in a way in which the license plate would be visible from the drive aisle. Based on feedback received over the past two days, we have reconsidered and will not be implementing the policy. While the Department of Parking and Transportation will continue to move forward with implementation of License Plate Recognition software over the next few years, we will NOT issue citations to drivers who back into parking spaces or pull through parking spaces. Instead, we will adjust the operation to accommodate those who back into or pull through spaces. Thank you for your feedback.
parking@olemiss.edu
