Curtin Student Guild has submitted a petition to the Curtin University executives requesting they address the Bentley campus’ ‘broken parking system’.

The petition, which has almost 8,000 signatures, outlines three requests; reducing parking fines from $45 to $20, introducing a combination of a low-cost pay-as-you-go and permit system and abolishing CellOPark.

On weekdays between 8am and 5pm Curtin students are required to pay for campus parking using CellOPark, a parking app which tracks their car’s location and number plate. Failing to do so results in a $45 parking fine.

Curtin University student Rebeka Petroska believes it is ‘unrealistic’ to expect students to afford to pay high infringements.

“I think fines should definitely be cheaper than $45 … uni students don’t have the freedom to work as much and they aren’t working full time so $45 is a large portion of their weekly income,” she says.

“I think a $20 fine is still substantial enough to send a warning but obviously not creating financial stress for them,” she says.

Curtin Guild has submitted a petition to the university’s executives regarding the campus’ ‘broken parking system’. Photo: Curtin Guild.

In a letter addressed to Curtin University’s Chief Operating Officer Fiona Notley, Guild President Dylan Botica outlined how nearly 8,000 members of the Curtin community are ‘frustrated, disappointed and demanding change.’

“Despite the university’s faith in CellOPark, we’re here to tell you it’s not working. The app is notorious for its premium fees, bugs and unfriendly user experience,” the letter reads.

“Curtin students deserve better, not a for-profit company’s assurances of superiority.”

“Parking issues may seem minor, but they have major ramifications. They’re keeping students away from campus and reducing the time spent on campus. This hinders student engagement and tarnishes the university experience,” the letter reads.

“We’ve shown up, 8,000 voices strong. I trust this is enough for you to take notice of what students are saying. Not to would risk ongoing student discontent and falling engagement rates.”

The full letter can be read here.