Students throughout Stirling University have voiced their frustration at the parking situation on campus.
Parking at the university has been a well-documented struggle, but many claim it is getting worse. Some students are forced to park illegally in order to attend their classes.
With 18,000 students attending the university, only around 2,000 of them live on campus. The majority will commute in, either by bus, train, cycling or driving.
When purchasing a parking permit for campus parking, there is a warning to holders it does not guarante a space. However, with construction work happening at two of the car parks, spaces are more limited.
The construction effects the carpark at the back of student accommodation. The work is ongoing and was started at least at the beginning of the current academic year. A skip is also occupying a space at Pathfoot car park and has been for some time.
Students are now forced to park on double-yellow lines, on the grass, and even in spaces that restrict other cars from getting in or out of carparks.
An Instagram page has been created dedicated to showing the extent of Stirling University’s ‘bad parking’ on campus.
Student’s frustrations
Many students have shared their irritation at the ongoing parking situation.
“Getting a space on campus is a joke if you aren’t at campus first thing!” one said.
“It’s terrible for people who have paid for permits and those who have to commute via car.”
Another stated that she could only get parked in the main carpark at 6:30am.
Those who feel they have no other option often park on the grass and run the risk of digging their cars out of the mud after heavy rain.
Why are there not more spaces being built?
The lack of spaces is an issue that the University is aware of. However, a statement on their website details why more car parks will not be built on campus.
“It is […] a designated Historic Garden and Designed Landscape, which aims to ensure that its landscape setting is protected.
“Further, all planning authorities are reluctant to allow the creation of additional parking and expect organisations to limit demand by offering alternative means of travel.
“While a new car park was recently constructed on the south side of the campus, this had to meet strict planning requirements which took account of the loss of existing car parking space, as a result of the construction of the new INTO Building and the redevelopment of the Sports Centre.”
The University’s response
Brig reached out for a comment on the worsening parking conditions on campus and shared the findings regarding the lack of spaces.
The University explained that the work happening in the student accommodation carpark is for footpath improvements.
They also said: “The skip is for works related to the new Clinical Skills area in Pathfoot.”
A University of Stirling spokesperson said: “With the increase in face-to-face teaching, car parking is now returning to pre-pandemic levels.
“Another factor in the increased demand for parking is the reduction in parking charges, which was introduced to help during the cost-of-living crisis, and the introduction of the two free hours.”
Featured Image Credit: Emma Christie
Second year student journalist studying Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism Studies.
Writer for Brig and Discovery Music, Chief Sub Editor for Brig
