While paid parking has been on the agenda for over a year, plans to charge fees have been brought forward to help cover the federal government's efficiency dividend.

Vice-president of operations Bruce Lines wrote to staff and students on Tuesday, saying: ''Charging for parking brings us into line with the overwhelming majority of Australian universities and mirrors what is happening at institutions across Canberra.''

Consultation with the university community indicated support for payment by credit card, an extension of the boom gate system, investments in infrastructure, and a mix of long term permit parking and casual, pay-as-you-go parking.

Students wanted reduced permit charges while staff wanted the option to pay more for guaranteed parking spaces.

Staff and students will need to purchase an ePermit and pay the following rates:

■ Student parking will be $325 a year, $165 for six months or $13 for a fortnight.

■ Pay-as-you-go 'casual' parking will cost $7.50 a day (or $3 for 0-2 hours and $6 for 2-4 hours).

■ Residences parking will vary (Arscott House: $26 per fortnight; Weeden Lodge: $22 per week).

■ Staff parking will cost $650 for a year, $330 for six months or $26 for a fortnight.

Work on the large car park between the main exam venues will not be carried out until exams are over but students beginning exam week next week have been warned to allocate extra time due to the upgrades in other car parks.

Additional bike parking is also being installed on campus.