Staff Writer

ONEONTA — Fines for parking in a handicapped space or fire lane at SUCO would be raised from $40 to $50 by a proposed change to the college's vehicle and traffic regulations.

The State University College at Oneonta's College Council voted Tuesday to approve several changes to the campus regulations. Steven Perry, vice president for student development, went over the changes first proposed by University Police Chief Bart Ingersoll.

The plan will now be passed to SUNY legal counsel in Albany for review, Perry said, adding that the earliest the changes could take effect would be next fall.

Among the changes is a plan to increase the fine amount for parking in handicapped spaces and fire lanes. This, according to the proposal, "would bring the section into a consistency that is found with the colleges and universities in the SUNY system."

Perry told council members the changes were recommended based on the vehicle and traffic laws of "peer institutions."

Another change would allow the college to hold students responsible for any car they drive on campus, even if the vehicle is registered to someone else, such as a parent.

Most minor traffic violations on campus are $15, Perry said.

Overall, Perry said, the college has seen a decline in the number of tickets it gives out, and it has seen an increase in collections.

"This says we're being effective," Perry said.

Other changes were also proposed:

• Updating the language in regulations to allow the campus president to establish and set rates for vehicle registration fees. The SUNY chancellor used to set the rates.

• Developing a regulation to legalize the use of golf carts and other limited-use vehicles on campus roadways. These vehicles, Perry said, have been increasingly used by maintenance staff to conduct daily facilities-related business.

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Jill Fahy can be reached at jfahy@thedailystar.com or (607) 441-7221.