Despite changes in parking regulations and increased patrolling at night, Safety Services has reported that fewer tickets have been given out so far this year compared to previous years.

This year, there were changes with the Amstutz and Bixler parking lots. Students are no longer permitted to park in these areas. The Jefferson Street lot was expanded to approximately 70 spaces and other spaces were made available to the lot near the fraternity houses.

“We weren’t as aggressive because of the changes,” McLaughlin said.

According to McLaughlin, Safety Services gave students more than the usual week to be settled in with the new parking regulations.

“I’ve been very pleasantly surprised,” McLaughlin said. “Students are doing a good job so far.”

Although Safety Services is happy with how students have responded to parking changes, some students still have issues with these regulations.

“Speaking as a student-athlete, it is more convenient to park in a lot closest to the field during my designated hours of practice,” Senior Al Dunson said.

Junior Jeff Harrison is frustrated that he cannot park in the Clayton Lot, even though it would be more convenient for him.

Another parking concern this year was for the new Athletic Complex area. This concern has turned out to not be a problem for Safety Services, as they were prepared to give out more tickets than they already have around the new complex.

“It [the Athletic Complex] hasn’t really impacted tickets,” McLaughlin said.

According to McLaughlin, Safety Services gives eight to 10 tickets near the Athletic Complex because of cars not being moved per event. They credit Auxiliary Services for lost spots.

Students are aware of these changes and that cars sometimes need to be moved for events, but they don’t believe they are given what they pay for.

“I understand we have events on campus and they take place the majority of the time in the Upper Convocation center,” Dunson said. “However, I believe that we as students should be given a bit more leeway when it comes to parking on campus.”

Changes have occurred to lots near the Athletic Complex because of increased traffic during football games. Safety Services had their first car towed because of a football game this past weekend.

“We did have to tow a vehicle parked in Lot E (Upper Convo) because we were unable to make contact with the owner to have it moved,” McLaughlin said. “Towing is a last resort.”

“It’s very crowded on game day,” McLaughlin said. “That’s a good problem to have, though.”

Changes have taken place, but issues between parking regulations and students still exist.