UMass Amherst to Reimburse Towing Costs

AMHERST, Mass. - UMass Amherst will cover student and family costs associated with towing cars from a residential life parking lot Monday, which occurred as space was cleared to move in thousands of returning students to campus.

Campus spokesman Ed Blaguszewski said there was apparent misunderstanding or confusion among students about a parking ban in Lot 44 on Sunday night and Monday morning, and as a result about 180 cars had to be towed to ensure a smooth move-in.

The university will waive the Parking Services violation and will reimburse towing costs to those affected in Lot 44 Sunday night and Monday.

"Each fall we work hard to provide a warm welcome to students and their families," Blaguszewski said. "While we had an extensive communications plan in place to notify people about restricted parking in certain areas, we received reports from a number of students that they were unaware of the ban and were understandably upset by what occurred. The message from UMass is that we apologize for any miscommunication, and we will reimburse you."

To receive reimbursement those affected should contact Parking Services at 413-545-0065.