Drivers have accused the Memorial Union parking ramp of overcharging.

Officials find these claims unsettling.

“The thought that we would actually try to rip the public off, and risk our reputation, is absolutely ludicrous,” said Roger Ferris, associate director of operations for the union.

“We have never had any reports of fraud, and if anything, people are the ones trying to take us.”

Ramp patrons have tried a variety of ways to avoid paying fees.

“People will go through the ramps backwards [or] lose their tickets to avoid paying mere parking charges,” Ferris said. “We have recently instigated a $10 lost-ticket fee. This has helped correct the problem slightly, but we still have other matters.”

Ferris said the clocks at the parking ramp are set by a human and checked repeatedly for accuracy.

“There is some margin of error, but the clocks are always in synchronization with each other, preventing erroneous tickets,” Ferris said.

The Memorial Union doesn’t always charge for parking use.

“We often make every extra effort to help people out in their time of need,” said Nancy Svec, marketing coordinator for the union.

“We often offer free parking during the holidays, breaks and overnight. We don’t have constant 24-hour staff, and when the gate is up, free parking is offered.”

Rates for parking in the Memorial Union ramp are 75 cents per hour for the first through third hours, 50 cents per hour for fourth and fifth hours and 25 cents for additional hours. The maximum charge for a 24-hour period is $6.

“This rule has been effect since the beginning of July of last year, and is a very reasonable pricing plan,” Ferris said.

Svec said the university contacted the union, asking it to make the ramp’s prices equal to prices in student lots.

“Parking at this university is a privilege, and we provide a very useful service to the public,” Svec said.