Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper): UHasselt’s new 350-car parking garage at Boucampus isn’t used as much as expected. Many students choose to park in illegal spots to avoid the 15-minute walk, even though there are free parking options that are safer. A new policy is planned to address this issue.
Uhasselt announced a new parking building at the Bouwcampus in Diepenbeek to fix parking problems, but it’s not working. The building can hold about 350 cars, but it’s only half full, and many cars are parked illegally. Hanne Schevernels, the mobility coordinator, said students aren’t using the parking tower. They are trying to let students know about it and show them how to get there easily. A new barrier was added, and they have also put up signs to show that parking is free.
How are UHasselt students responding to the new parking garage’s benefits and challenges?
The new parking garage at UHasselt is important for students, offering safe and dry parking spots while ensuring they can find a space easily. However, some students, like Robbe, find the fifteen-minute walk from the garage to campus too long and have opted to park in less legal spots to save time. Others, like Kobe, take the risk of parking on the grass near the garage, believing they are following the rules as long as they don’t block roads. Despite the ongoing risk of fines, many students are choosing convenience over strict adherence to parking regulations.
Some students like the new parking tower. Nine says it’s a bit far, but she enjoys walking when the weather is nice. Even in the rain, she prefers the tower because parking near campus feels unsafe. Michiel is using the tower for the first time and thinks the 10 to 15-minute walk is okay. He always carries an umbrella, so rain doesn’t bother him. He wishes there were more parking towers. UHasselt is planning a new parking policy to reduce roadside parking and make the campus safer for everyone.
