Last week, Penn State once again put the clamps on viable parking options for students on its campus.

The HUB Parking Deck, a popular spot for students looking to park so they can go to the HUB-Robeson Center, the White Building or any of the numerous residence halls that litter the surrounding area, was officially closed to students who do not possess Penn State parking permits.

The deck, which uses technology similar to E-Z Pass, is open only to registered vehicles between 7 a.m. and midnight. Until 4 p.m., Penn State faculty are only permitted to use the deck. After that point, students with registered vehicles and parking permits are allowed to park in the deck.

Students who choose not to shell out the $30 for a semester-long parking permit are completely left out of the process.

The University Parking Office has said the regulations are nothing "new." Rather, they are simply now being strictly enforced by parking authorities.

Apparently, students and visitors had been abusing the system by parking in the metered spots after hours. Why weren't these sanctions enforced a lot earlier? Why were students notified of such a policy when it was essentially too late to propose any other options?

For several years, the university has been touting a "pedestrian-friendly" campus, which is a novel and welcome idea. But with this latest measure, Penn State is taking its plan too far.

Students who previously used the meters in the parking deck for quick trips to and from campus can no longer do that. Rather than popping in $1 to park for their planned trip to the bookstore, students are now being asked to purchase a $30 permit that may never be used more than three times all semester. For a large number of students, the permit is simply not a viable economic option.

This matter is not about students being too lazy to walk to the White Building from their downtown apartments. It's about convenience.

When people have to park on Beaver Avenue to attend a meeting in the HUB, there is something wrong.

Granted, Lots 81 and 82 have been closed due to construction, leaving faculty with decidedly fewer parking spots.

But, are there any other options provided for students? Evidently so. But they'll cost you $30.