March 14, 1997

Purdue sets stiffer fines for illegal skateboard use

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Persons who violate the ban on skateboards on the north and south academic areas of the Purdue University campus will face stiffer fines for second and subsequent violations in an effort to stem ever-rising damage costs from the illegal use of skateboards.

The Parking and Traffic Committee, which comprises faculty, staff and students, recently recommended that the $15 fine for violations be raised to $50 the second time a violator is caught. Purdue officials concurred with the committee's recommendation, and the new fine is effective immediately.

Purdue police Lt. Carol Baunach told committee members that the current fine did not deter skateboarders, and that many violators are repeat offenders.

Skateboards have been banned on the academic areas of campus since 1993 because of the extensive damage caused to ledges, benches, stair railings and the like. Baunach told the committee that repair costs for such damage in recent years has topped $70,000.

CONTACT: Donna Kemper, manager, Parking Facilities, (765) 494-9315.

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Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu