University of Arkansas Chancellor David Gearhart got an ear full from lawmakers today about the $50 fine students are getting for parking illegally on the Fayetteville campus.

“This is an area where I continue to have heartburn,” said Rep. David Dunn, D-Forrest City, who has two children attending the university and complained he’s paid $200 in parking tickets already this fall.    

Gearhart acknowledged the fine is excessive but told lawmakers it’s about driving home to students the need to observe parking regulations on the Fayetteville campus.

UA officials say parking fines generate about $2 million annually for the university’s parking and transit budget. That’s in addition to the $2 million that campus parking fees contribute to the kitty.