Students: Parking an issue at UNCC

CHARLOTTE — Classes at the University of North Carolina Charlotte began Monday, and some students said it is taking 45 minutes to find a parking space.

Anchor Scott Wickersham took their concerns to university leaders, who said there is plenty of parking if students know where to look.

Around 22,000 of this year's students are commuters. UNCC has 14,000 parking spaces, but expects to give out around 17,000 parking permits.

Parking attendants have been hired to help confused drivers.

Parking officials said the school has built four new parking decks in the past decade and there should be plenty of spaces.

Parking Director Gary Caton said Monday was especially bad for students because many came to campus to get books, parking passes and class schedules. He said they sell more permits than spaces because students are not all on campus at the same time.

Some permits are only for certain days.

"I feel like everyone is trying to park by the student union to be close to class," said student Bret Thompson.

Caton has advice for students.

"Park in one of the periphery parking areas; those areas are all pretty much available," Caton said.

He expects some confusion and traffic the first week or two.

The university also has free shuttle buses that run from lots on the edge of campus so students do not have to walk.

WSOC