CdA will tow abandoned vehicles

Due to a large number of complaints about abandoned and snowed-in vehicles, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department plans to begin towing vehicles that have become a hazard to other drivers, a department news release said.

Following receipt of a complaint, the police department will send a volunteer to the location to verify the vehicle is there. The vehicle will be marked with an orange tag and an attempt will be made to contact the registered owner. If the vehicle is not moved within 48 hours, it will be put on a tow list and removed as soon as possible, the release said.

If the vehicle is determined to be an immediate hazard, it will be towed prior to 48 hours and the owner may not be notified in advance.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to dig out their cars and get them off the street. Tow fees payable to Shaffer’s Towing range from $85 to $145 and storage costs about $30 per day. Vehicles valued under $200 will be turned over to Shaffer’s for immediate sale after 15 days. Vehicles valued over $200 will go to auction by the city after 30 days. City ordinance requires vehicles parked on city streets be moved after 24 hours.