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Davenport warns towing will happen on city’s snow routes

The city of Davenport planned to crack down on drivers who leave vehicles parked on emergency snow routes during snow emergencies.

The city of Davenport planned to crack down on drivers who leave vehicles parked on emergency snow routes during snow emergencies.

City officials said the stricter enforcement of the city's snow emergency ordinance arose, in part, after Davenport Public Works crews could not plow some downtown streets because cars were parked on emergency snow routes during a snow storm January 31 and February 1, 2014.

Crews had 44 vehicles towed on those nights so plows could move through downtown streets.  When residents protested, Mayor Bill Gluba authorized reimbursement for those affected by the towing expenses, costing the city an estimated $10,000.

"The city also plans to install LED signs in the downtown to warn visitors and residents 'no parking when lit -- towing enforced,' so snow can be cleared," said a Facebook post from the city about the policy.

"When the snow starts to fly, residents are encouraged to tune in to local media, the City website, www.cityofdavenportiowa.com and other communication devices to find out if a snow emergency has been declared. Residents can also call the snow desk at 326-2489 during an emergency for up to date information on snow removal efforts," said the city's online snow emergency information.

Beginning in early November 2014, Davenport crews will start towing abandoned vehicles that are left on emergency snow routes. The city was training employees to also ticket those vehicles, to be sure residents understand why the city was enforcing the policy.

The definition of abandoned vehicle under Davenport Municipal Code 10.76.010 includes, "A vehicle that has been left unattended on public property for twenty-four hours," and " A vehicle that has remained illegally parked on public property for twenty-four hours."

"The city will also start ticketing vehicles on emergency snow routes, when the first snow hits," according to Public Works Director Mike Clarke.

A parking ticket in Davenport costs $35.

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