Students Complain of Parking Problems

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - "I hope I get a parking space today," said sophomore, Marvin Moore.

For some University of Memphis students commuting to campus, that's their wish as they make their way to class this semester.

"At 8 or 9 o'clock, people are just flying in," Cherae Davis, also a sophomore said.

Students say the stress of finding a space leads some people to just give up and park on the grass or even behind other cars.

"I saw someone block someone else in, and who knows, maybe that could happen to me one day and I don't know how to get in contact with that person," Moore said.

In the past some claim their cars have become causalities of the parking problems.

"Someone scratched my car up because spaces are so close people get desperate," Davis said.

The desperation some claim they're experiencing has them wondering why they're having so much trouble this fall.

"I didn't have this problem last semester. I simply got here in a timely manner," said Moore.

According to the U of M there are 1200 more students enrolled this year and it says some street parking, 10 to 20 spots, are currently unavailable because of construction.

"They are mandating we get to class on time," explained Moore.

Moore says being late for one of his professors' classes is a big worry of his. Enough he said to park illegally and faces a fine like what happened earlier this week.

"A $21 fine and I'll have to find the money for that," Moore said.

As the campus expands, the U of M says there are plans for additional parking areas. However it says spaces are there, especially in the lots farther out from campus which it says are last to fill up.