SMC Adopts New Parking System

Students walking around the Santa Monica College (SMC) Main Campus Parking Lot on Sept. 5 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Earl Agustines/The Corsair)

This fall, SMC has implemented a new parking permit system, iParq, which removes the need for windshield decals. iParq, or “intelligent parking” is achieved using technology called ALPR, automated license plate reading, according to SMC’s Dean of Education Enterprise, Mitch Heskel. Parking structures are patrolled using a computerized vehicle that reads and processes license plate data captured with mounted cameras.

SMC Police Chief Johnnie Adams points out, “The new system is green in many respects.”

The old parking sticker system required generating paper and postage costs, which has now been eliminated by the ALPR automated verification technology. SMC saves an estimated $100,000 in permit processing costs, according to the Santa Monica College Police Department (SMCPD).

Franco, an SMC student who wished to be identified as such, was at the CMD campus [Center for Media and Design], and shared his concern about students who might not be driving their own car to campus. "It doesn’t really affect me, but I know there’s people who like rent cars, so I don’t know how that would work if they were constantly changing license plate number."

In the event of arriving on campus driving a different vehicle, iParq’s online portal allows for permits to be edited with new license plate numbers in real time.

Students mentioned getting to school in a variety of ways; on the metro, cycling, walking, in addition to carpooling. 

Joshua Oreoste, another SMC student said “I have a roommate and sometimes she drives and sometimes I drive.”

When asked about any privacy concerns, many students reported that it [iParq] seemed like a natural transition to a digital system. 

California civil codes 1798.90.51 and 1798.90.53 require all ALPR end users to have access to a posted Privacy Policy. The policy states that any authorized users receive police department approved training, prohibiting the use of the equipment or database records for any unauthorized purpose.

When asked about his experience so far this year, Jacob Nazarian said “[parking has been] pretty smooth so far, you know. no issues.”

Students still purchase their permits by signing on to Corsair Connect, or in person at the Bursar’s office. Questions can be emailed to parking@smc.edu.