University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 28, April 24




            Parking regulations, info on Public Safety site
     
     Everything you want to know about UD parking is online
on the World Wide Web in a streamlined and user-friendly
form. Access the University's homepage, then select "Public
Safety" under "Campus Life," and click on "Parking
Services."
     A general mission statement describes the purpose and
function of Parking Services, and users have a choice of
selecting one of 20 specific categories, under such headings
as "Parking Permit Registration," "Visitors," "Carpools" and
"Towing."
     "For many years, we have handed out booklets of
regulations with parking permits. This year, we decided to
take advantage of computer technology and modernize the
system," Lawrence Thornton, public safety director, said.
     "There are many advantages to going online. It cuts
publishing costs; the information is readily available to
those on or off campus; and changes and revisions can be
made easily and promptly," he added.
     "When the decision was made to go online, public safety
took a fresh look at existing parking regulations and
reviewed and revised them. Our goal was to simplify and
clarify, leave in the essentials and put parking information
in an easy-to-use format," Thornton said.
     Each category ends with an e-mail address for users'
questions, comments or suggestions.
     Plans include campus maps on the web, showing parking
areas and linking with the Visitors Center to make parking
information available to those coming to campus. There also
are plans to put the parking violations appeal process
online, Thornton said.
     "This fall, we will distribute decals, one page of
parking information instead of a booklet, which will include
directions for accessing the web site and a map," Thornton
said.
     Public Safety also has a "Police Services" web site,
which is in the process of being expanded. Currently, it
states the mission of the Police Division, gives data on
campus crimes and qualifications for employment by the
campus police. In the future, this page will give
information on such topics as emergency phones, escort
service, crime prevention tips and community policing,
Thornton said.