Free parking will no longer be available for visitors at UAF.

The university installed automated parking kiosks in late March that would allow visitors to purchase short-term parking permits for 50 cents an hour or $3 per day to park on campus. The permit system went into effect Monday.

The parking lots affected include Nenana, Taku and University Park. Parking is still free on the weekend and after 5 p.m. on weekdays.

The automated system is intended to save visitors a trip to the parking office each time they come to campus.

"We also have a number of part-time students taking one or two classes who may find it easier to pay as they go," said Martin Klein, associate director of parking services, in a statement. "Staff and faculty who choose to carpool or park infrequently will have the option to purchase daily and weekly permits as they need them, rather than keeping a stack of day passes in their car."

The permits grant access to all regular decal lots and head bolt plug-ins.

Permits are not required for metered parking, though meters must be paid to park in those locations.

"In addition to providing access to head bolt plug-ins and more parking lots, the temporary permits are expected to make it easier for students, staff, visitors and vendors to pay for parking as they need it," Klein said in a memo distributed to UAF deans and directors.

While the self-serve system may be more convenient, Klein said day passes will still be available from Parking Services in advance upon request.

Users of the Student Recreation Center who are not affiliated with UAF should purchase a permit for the life of their SRC contract, Klein said.

The permits can be purchased at the SRC.

Campus parking fees pay for a number of UAF services, including head bolt plug-ins, snow removal, parking lot maintenance, parking meter repair, signs, shuttle bus service and capital improvements, Klein said.

The new kiosks accept cash, coins and credit cards and are located at University Park, Nenana parking lot, Taku parking lot, and Thompson Drive at the pull out.

Gold reserved lots are excluded during the workday, but are free to visitors after 5 p.m. and on weekends. For more information, call 474-7275.