However, the university believes the increase in fees would see the demand for parking fall and allow students and staff to have access to public transport.

Deakin University vice-chancellor Jane den Hollander announced plans to increase annual parking fees to $250 for students and $400 for staff, increase hourly and day parking fees and eliminating free parking across all campuses.

Though the changes are not set to be introduced until the start of trimester one next year, students at the Warrnambool campus received an unexpected setback yesterday with access to the free parking area around the oval closed off.

In her email to students and staff announcing the changes, Professor van Hollander said the move was aimed at reducing demand for parking and encouraged staff and students to consider using alternatives like public transport.

Owner of Transit South West, which run Warrnambool Bus Lines, Stephen Lucas said the company was in the process of applying for state government funding to increase services across the city.

"We run quite a few services to Deakin already," Mr Lucas said.

"We currently have a proposal before the state government to improve transit services in Warrnambool and we are waiting on a reply."

"If we get funding there would be more services to Deakin."

The Deakin University Student Association is planning a protest in August and students have voiced their opposition to the move with 777 people joining the The Deakin University 2012 Parking Price Increase Petition Facebook group.