Students who disobey the parking rules may get the boot.

The boot, in this instance, is a wheel clamp, which is part of the Department of Parking and Transportation’s crack down on parking violators.

Increased enforcement is causing more people to buy permits, so Western is giving out fewer tickets, said Gene Tice, vice president of student affairs and campus services.

Students can file appeals in person, by mail or through an online process at the department’s Web site.

The strict enforcement of rules is an attempt to provide spaces and enforce the rules fairly and regularly, Tice said.

“From my experience, strict enforcement is a good thing,” Tice said. “If the enforcement is consistent, then tickets go down and more people buy hanging tags.”

Enforcement has been increased over the last several years, said Gary Meszaros, director of auxiliary services.

“People are getting the message,” Meszaros said. “Students need to buy a permit or they need to park off campus.”

Towing and booting vehicles are two of the biggest regulations stressed on the parking and transportation Web site.

The Web site states that vehicles with three or more violations may be immobilized. The vehicle will not be released until all outstanding citations and fines have been paid.

Vehicles can be towed for violating parking regulations, displaying lost, stolen, or falsified permits, disrupting traffic flows, or parking in restricted areas, according to the Web site. Like the boot, the vehicle will not be released until all outstanding fines are paid.

Additional fines may be assessed on towed and booted vehicles.

Visit the Department of Parking and Transportation Web site, http://www.wku.edu/transportation for additional information.

Reach Chris Byrne at news@chherald.com.