Lancaster University reduces new parking charges after Students’ Union raised ‘concerns’

Lancaster University has announced a reduction in previously increased parking charges.

The institution announced the comprise on prices last week, after students raised concerns about the lack of consideration for their needs, the increased inaccessibility of societies caused by the change, and the rise in costs.

However, LUSU president Rory O’Ceallaigh, confirmed he will continue to “lobby the university” to remove the charges completely.

Previously, the university announced that parking charges and ANPR cameras would be introduced on campus from week one of the 2025/26 academic year, 24/7, which LUSU said raised “concerns”.

Parking on campus during weekdays will still remain increased with two hours now costing £2.60 instead of £2.40, and a full day rising from £5.70 to £6.

Lancaster University announced the comprise on prices in an email to the LUSU President on September 3rd, after discussions.

In a post to Instagram, LUSU President Rory O’Ceallaigh explained “the charges have only been reduced, not completely removed” and said that the Students’ Union will “continue to lobby the university to see the charges return to the their original timings”.

With tariffs continuing to extend into non-peak hours, Rory O’Ceallaigh affirmed that LUSU will continue pressing for a return to the original parking schedule. He emphasised this as both a safeguard for students who may miss charge notices sent to their home addresses, and as a necessary commitment in light of the rising cost of living faced by students.

In the post to the LUSU website, Rory said: “I have since responded to the vice-chancellor.

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“Any cost is too high for students to afford. We will not endorse the passing of the university’s financial burdens onto students when the maximum maintenance loan is only covering half of students’ costs, and one in three students would consider leaving their course early due to financial difficulty.”

When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Lancaster University said: “Changes to staff and student parking have been made in line with our sustainable transport policy.

“While Lancaster University has one of the most frequent city-to-campus bus services of any campus university in the UK –  including evenings and weekends – as well as excellent cycling and walking routes, we recognise the need for alternative forms of transport for some individuals and circumstances.

“Students and staff with Blue Badges can get a free Accessible Permit and the university has introduced a reduced tariff of £1 for up to three hours in the evenings and weekends as well as up to an hour of free parking – allowing for free pick-ups and drop offs on campus.

“We agree that financial hardship should not be a barrier to access. Students experiencing financial difficultly are encouraged to apply for support. Lancaster University offers a range of financial support and hardship packages, including emergency financial aid for students. Full information can be found at portal.lancaster.ac.uk/ask/cost-of-living.”

LUSU President Rory O’Ceallaigh told The Lancaster Tab: “I am grateful to the university for acknowledging the financial challenges students are facing, and, by proposing this new policy, also acknowledging the barrier to access and participation that parking fees bring.

“I am therefore disappointed that the solution proposed still presents a cost to students, and does not address further concerns that I have raised.

“I hope to have constructive discussions with the university on this, and wider, issues where we are seeing costs passed onto students at a time when that simply is not sustainable so we can see the best outcomes for everyone.”

The new parking charges can be accessed here.

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Featured image via Lancaster University and Instagram @lusupresident