May 22, 2003

Parking lot south of Administration Building

Q: By what mechanism are the passes for the parking lot south of the Administration Building determined? There are spaces for government vehicles, as well as spaces for private vehicles. Who decides who parks in the private vehicle spaces? I have often observed vehicles with only a single occupant. With the current tight parking situation at Technical Area 3, and the revamping of the HOV program, I believe it is time for this parking lot to be "opened" up to the Lab population. Besides government vehicles, and handicapped spaces, maybe HOV parking could be allowed. Maybe some kind of lottery could be devised where private vehicles would be allowed to park there for a specified period of time. With all the changes going on at the Laboratory, it is time for this preferred parking situation to also change.

A: Thank you for your inquiry regarding the parking area south of the Administration Building, through Station 411. This area does indeed have handicap, government vehicle and private vehicle parking spaces. Access to this area is via the Private Vehicle Pass (PVP) program.

The rationale for private vehicle parking in this lot is to:

• Accommodate those coming from remote sites to conduct business at the Administration Building (short duration parking); or
• Provide urgent situation parking for individuals who reside in the Administration Building or close proximity, but must use their private vehicle various times during the day for Laboratory business (not just one meeting).

Annually, individuals must apply for the Private Vehicle Pass (PVP) and identify their need/justification, situation, etc. Analysis determines if they are granted a PVP. That is why you see single occupants in the vehicle.

Unfortunately, this parking lot can only be used for the reasons identified above for private vehicles. Outlying organizations must have the ability to conduct Laboratory business at the Administration Building and residents must have the ability to travel from/to the Administration Building again when conducting Laboratory business. Each recipient of the PVP understands it is not to be used for personal parking convenience.

Again, thank you for your inquiry.

--Drusilla Price, FWO-SSCM