TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has a parking problem.

Students tell KETK, they are forced to park off campus, because the school lacks the spaces needed for the students to park.

Angry collegiates say they pay more than $45 for a parking permit, but the campus is about 400 parking places short.

Some are forced to arrive much earlier than required in order to make it to class on time, because they have to park so far away.

The students received an email from the school this week, telling them that they were aware of the problem.

UT officials say that the university underestimated the enrollment at the school, and they lost a lot of parking when the City of Tyler eliminated some street parking in the area.

University leaders tell KETK, they are under budget constraints, but are working to fix the problem.

The school released the following statement on Wednesday to KETK:

The university has been working diligently to resolve the parking issues caused by enrollment growth and errors in striping some lots.  Workers will continue each night this week to restripe various lots to provide immediate relief to our students and employees.  We are establishing three temporary lots on campus, one of which opened this morning.  And, beginning next Monday, a shuttle from Rose Heights Church will be used for those who wish to park there and be driven to campus.

In the meantime, our campus police have been lenient in enforcing traffic regulations in an effort to ease frustrations. Students have been allowed to park in various locations all over campus, including non-traditional parking areas, as long as they do not create a safety issue. The City of Tyler granted us temporary parking along Varsity Drive while we address the situation.

The safety of our students and employees is paramount and we take every measure to ensure that for them.