Parking Services has implemented the enforcement change from 5 to 10 p.m. to more effectively manage parking for the growing population of permit holders who engage in a range of university activities after traditional business hours. This could include attending classes (a large number of which end at 10 p.m.), leading instruction, conducting research, attending university-sponsored events and meetings, and much more.

The unprecedented construction taking place on the Blacksburg campus and continued expected enrollment growth also make it imperative to safeguard the finite parking resources we have and to ensure these resources are equitable so that those who have paid for on-campus parking are able to access it throughout the day and as more and more activity occurs after 5 p.m.

Virginia law requires that auxiliary services like Parking Services be fully-self funded and sustainable (no tuition or mandatory student fees may go to its operations). Building additional parking structures on campus, conducting necessary repairs, installing lights, and ensuring restrictions are enforced are all important elements of parking operations.

Prior to this coming year, the burden of generating this revenue fell solely on students and employee permit holders choosing to park a vehicle between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. – while visitors and non-permit holders were able to park free of charge during the day and in the evenings. By charging everyone that utilizes our services (parks on campus,) Parking Services can strive to keep parking costs down for all.