Parking Information
Parking
The authority for administering and enforcing traffic and parking regulations on the West Georgia Technical College campus rests with the Campus Police Department. The administration reserves the authority to make changes as needed in parking areas, traffic flow, and other changes as related to traffic conditions. The purpose of these regulations is to facilitate safety, maintain orderly conduct of the College's business and to provide parking facilities in support of this function within the limits of available space. These regulations are intended only to supplement the State of Georgia Motor Vehicle Laws, all provisions of which apply to this campus. These rules and regulations apply to all vehicles, which are self-propelled. The owner or person to whom the vehicle is registered is ultimately responsible for the safe operation and proper parking of the vehicle, regardless of who the operator may be. "WGTC shall have no responsibility for loss or damage to any vehicle or its contents while operated or parked on College property.”
Who must obtain a permit?
Each student (including full-time, part-time, evening) taking courses, and each member of the faculty, staff and administration of West Georgia Technical College must obtain a parking permit issued to the person and is transferable from vehicle to vehicle as needed. During the first five (5) days of each term, new students are expected to obtain a parking permit from the Police Office and properly display it hanging from the rear view mirror of their vehicle. All motor vehicles operated by students in connection with their attendance at West Georgia Technical College must properly display the required current permit. To secure a WGTC parking permit the following information is required at the time of registration:
1. Name and phone number
2. Driver’s license number
3. Address (present and home)
4. Valid student/staff ID number
Permits
1. Permits are valid for two years from issue date.
2. Permits are non-transferable and must be returned to the Police department upon completion of attendance or employment with West Georgia Technical College.
3. Permit must be affixed to the inside of the rear view mirror. The use of tape or any other adhesive to secure the decal is prohibited. Violators will be cited.
4. Parking permits allow the operator to park only in specified parking areas during the hours of 7:00 am to 10:30 pm daily during scheduled classes and examinations. Parking is relaxed on weekends with the exception of ADA and yellow-curbed areas, which will be strictly enforced.
5. Employees or students with disabilities, either permanent or temporary, who operate a motor vehicle must display a handicap permit/license plate as issued by the Georgia State Patrol to legally park in a handicap marked spot.
Parking Rules
1. No parking is permitted within fifteen (15) feet of fire hydrants or street entrances to sidewalks or buildings.
2. Parking on the lawn or driving on campus where campus streets are not provided is forbidden.
3. All ADA parking spaces must be observed and are subject to state enforcement.
4. Littering violations will be enforced.
5. Parking in service drives is not permitted. (Rear access to Conference Center)
6. The speed limit for campus is 15 mph / 10 mph for parking lots.
7. Motorcycles are not to be driven or parked on the sidewalks.
8. Disabled vehicles are to be removed within seven (7) days after notification from the Campus Police Department.
Persons enrolled in Continuing Education or Business & Industry training programs will be required to obtain a special parking permit through Continuing Education/ Economic Development offices.
Note: It is the responsibility of the motor vehicle operator to find a legal parking space. Lack of convenient space is not considered a valid excuse for violation of any parking regulations. Rain or inclement weather will not alter any of the provisions of these regulations.
Vehicle Operation
All persons operating a vehicle on WGTC property must be properly licensed at all times. WGTC identification and driver's license (if available) must be presented when requested by WGTC Campus Police Department. Pedestrians have the right-of-way on campus except where traffic is regulated by mechanical devices. Under normal conditions, the maximum speed limit on campus is 15 mph; however, vehicles may not be operated at any speed that is excessive for the conditions, which may exist as a result of weather, traffic, congestion, pedestrians, etc. Traffic control signals, devices and directions of West Georgia Technical College shall be obeyed. All persons operating vehicles are responsible for maintaining control and safe operation of their vehicle and observance of traffic control signs, barriers and devices. All accidents occurring on campus shall be reported to the Campus Police Department before the vehicles are moved. There is a charge for copies of accident reports.
Enforcement and Appeals
West Georgia Technical College parking citations should be paid at the Campus Police Office within five business days after issuance. Failure to comply will result in a onetime $10.00 late fee added to the citation. All persons receiving a parking citation are entitled to appeal the citation within the same 5-day time period of receiving the citation. The appeal should be submitted in writing to the Campus Police Chiefs Office. If an appeal is granted for a citation, no payment is required. If the appeal is denied the fine is to be satisfied in the Campus Police Office. Persons submitting appeals will be notified within five working days of the outcome. Failure to file an appeal within the five days forfeits all rights of appeal. In general, such circumstances as ignorance of the law, inability to find a proper parking space, late to class, or work appointment or financial hardships caused by fines do not constitute sufficient basis for the approval of an appeal. All fines not paid within the specified time become financial obligations payable to West Georgia Technical College. Persons who display a pattern of disregard for parking regulations are subject to having their parking privileges revoked for one calendar year. Vehicles of persons arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be towed and stored with a local towing service. Operators of vehicles that have been towed should contact the Campus Police Office for information to assist with the release of the vehicle by the towing company. Excessive noises by car radios, loud speakers, faulty mufflers or cut mufflers are prohibited on campus.
Towing Policy
Certain areas on campus are designated as TOW ZONES. These areas include disabled persons’ parking spaces, parking along the curb. When parked in an area where the curb is painted yellow and or red "no parking" is labeled, a vehicle is subject to immediate tow. All vehicles towed from campus are towed at the expense of the owner. The Campus Police Office will have the towing information on file.
Special Events
On special occasions, emergency parking and traffic limitations may be imposed by the Campus Police Department.
Restrictions
Campus streets may not be used by any group, corporation, or persons for commercial use or advertising without proper authorization.
Permit/Decal Violations/Fines
Parking permit not properly affixed. ......................................... $10.00
Failure to display current parking permit. ................................. $10.00
Alteration or reproduction of parking decal................................ $10.00
Knowingly falsifies information on parking permit application…... $10.00
Unauthorized possession of a WGTC parking permit.................. $10.00
Parking Violations
Parking in a no parking zone, service and delivery zone, yellow or red curb areas, and crosswalks. ........... $10.00
Parking in the wrong direction on any street. ........................... $10.00
Not parking within a marked space. ........................................ $10.00
Blocking or obstructing traffic, street, dumpster, sidewalk, building entrance or exit, or another vehicle. .... $10.00
Double parking ..................................................................... $10.00
Parking in unauthorized areas. ............................................... $10.00
Students parking in faculty/staff or visitor parking areas. ........... $10.00
Occupying more than one space. ............................................. $10.00
Stopping, standing, or parking where prohibited. ....................... $10.00
Parking in Disabled/ADA areas. ................................................ $100.00
Property Violations
Defacing, altering, knocking down or removing any parking or traffic signal, sign or structure. .................. $10.00
Littering violations will be enforced for dropping litter in parking areas and on the campus grounds. .......... $10.00
Traffic Violations
All serious or felony motor vehicle violations such as DUI, serious injury by motor vehicle, fleeing and attempting to elude and others will be prosecuted in the local appropriate court of law.
Speeding - Under normal conditions the maximum speed limit on campus is 15 mph. The maximum speed limit in parking lots is 10 mph. Vehicles may not be operated at any speed that is excessive for the conditions, which may exist as a result of weather, traffic congestion, pedestrians, etc..................................... $25.00
Failure to obey stop or yield signs. ........................... $25.00
Improper change of lanes. ........................................ $25.00
Driving the wrong way on a one-way street. ............... $25.00