The Office of Public Safety uses vehicle immobilizers (also known as boots) as an additional parking enforcement tool.
A vehicle boot is a device attached to the rear driver’s side wheel, which immobilizes the vehicle until it is removed by authorities with a proper key. The boot program will not replace the towing program, but it will be used in conjunction with towing to enforce campus parking policies in a timely and convenient manner.
La Roche University will continue to maintain a towing contract with McGann & Chester, LLC, located at 700 Hargrove Street Pittsburgh, PA. 15226; 412-381-9400. McGann & Chester is a specialized towing and hauling company.
A vehicle will be subject to towing if it is:
- Parked in marked handicapped spaces without authorization.
- Blocking the roadway or blocking service or emergency vehicle ingress or egress.
- Creating a road hazard or damage to property or grounds.
- Deemed to be abandoned on University property.
- Designated by the University through disciplinary action or hearing process as banned from campus.
Vehicle boots will be used under the following circumstances:
- To immobilize vehicles that Public Safety has designated as habitual offenders. Habitual offender status is designated after a vehicle has received three citations in a single academic year (from September through August).
- Upon receipt of the fourth and each subsequent citation, whether citations are being appealed.
- To immobilize illegally parked unregistered vehicles to determine ownership.
Boot Notification Policy
When vehicles are registered with the Office of Public Safety, a contact phone number will be requested. When a vehicle is booted, the office will advise of the vehicle’s status by sending an email to the registrant’s La Roche account and/or leaving a message on the registrant’s designated contact phone.
The registrant will have 48 hours to contact the Office of Public Safety for boot removal. After 48 hours, the vehicle will be subject to towing. Failure to provide appropriate contact information with your vehicle registration may result in your vehicle being towed.
Boot Removal
Arrangements for boot removal may be made by contacting the Office of Public Safety at x1176. Only designated public safety officers are authorized to remove a boot from a vehicle. The regular removal fee is $250 or the payment of all previous unpaid tickets, whichever value is greater. If a boot is removed by anyone other than a public safety officer or is tampered with in any way, the fee is $350. A replacement cost will be levied for a damaged or lost boot. Payment will be accepted through student accounts.