Tuscaloosa police have announced a series of changes ranging from modified towing ordinances to temporary speed bumps as college football kicks off in a couple of weeks.

“We want everyone to have a fantastic time during the football season while also prioritizing safety,” said Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley.

“These changes reflect our commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for all fans, residents and visitors.”

What you need to know:

• New Towing Regulations: Following a measure passed by the Tuscaloosa City Council earlier this year, property owners are no longer required to be present for a vehicle to be towed from their property. That means you’re much more likely to get towed if you park in a lot that requires decals or credentials. This is not just a game day rule: tow truck drivers that have entered contracts with apartment complexes and other properties can now monitor parking lots and remove any vehicles without hang tags or decals. All of the properties taking advantage of this new regulation must post visible signs with tow company information. So, keep an eye out for the signs and find a sanctioned area to park. UA’s website uagameday.com includes information about parking and shuttles. Parking spots directly in front of businesses on the Strip have recently been marked for rideshare pickup and drop-offs only.
• Speed Bumps on the Strip: Speed bumps will be put in place between Wednesdays and Sundays, indefinitely.
• Loitering: An ordinance passed last year to discourage overcrowding along public sidewalks and streets remains in effect between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The ordinance requires businesses to monitor the number of people waiting to enter, while preventing lines from taking over the sidewalk and street. The measure allows people who want to patronize businesses to do so safely and discourages non-patrons from loitering. Groups that congregate in parking lots or block the entrances of businesses will be asked to move to ease pedestrian crowding and increase safety.
• Firearms: While Alabama’s new open carry law allows the open carry of firearms without a permit, businesses and private property owners can prohibit firearms on their premises. At this time, none of the establishments on the Strip allow firearms.
• Police substation: The University of Alabama Police Department and the Tuscaloosa Police Department have opened a joint substation at 1209 University Blvd., next door to Taco Bell and across from Publix.