Students are in uproar after figures obtained by community correspondents revealed nearly three quarters of parking spaces in the area surrounding Kingston University were for residents only.

Just 294 of the 1035 on-street spaces in university’s vicinity are available for general use, causing many students to miss lectures as they battle for elusive parking spots.

Engineering student John Butler, 29, was fined 7 times last year for parking offences and has already received 2 penalty charges in 2010.

“It is totally unfair, there are loads of empty spaces but they are reserved for residents only. I have been driving around for four hours trying to find a parking space, and have missed all of my lessons today,” he said.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Grove Ward and Deputy on the Transport and Environment Committee, Bart Ricketts said: "If there is sufficient proof that there are a large number of empty residents only spaces during the day, the Council should look into the option of increasing the number of spaces open to the public."

In response to these complaints a Kingston Borough Council spokesperson said: “The amount of spaces allocated is based on the results of consultations with residents and businesses and reflects that permit holders expect to be able to park near their home or business.

“Obviously they can park in either type of bay but we cannot manage which they select to use. We review controlled zones periodically, but this area is not currently subject to review.”

Non residents are unable to purchase parking permits, and with the council insisting it has no plans to review the situation, students and visitors to the area face a continued struggle to find parking.

Kingston Parking Services Officer, Phil Hoare said: “If we offered parking permits to commuting students, then it would be expected that other commuters should be given them.

“Kingston town centre is a place of substantial employment and commuter parking permits would not be sustainable given the finite amount of parking space on street.”