Cd'A cracking down on abandoned vehicles

From the Coeur d'Alene Police Department this morning:Abandoned vehicles on the streets of Coeur d'Alene can be a problem as we approach the winter season. These vehicles can not only be an eye sore, but can cause traffic problems and collisions, and make it difficult for emergency services like ambulances and fire engines to access portions of neighborhoods in the event of an emergency. With some experts predicting heavy snow accumulations this year, we are hoping this pro-active response to abandoned vehicles will be a positive for the community.

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department wants to reduce the number of abandoned vehicles on the road by 11/14/2011, the same day that Leaf Fest starts. We are asking the community that if they have an abandoned vehicle to secure it off the roadway. This would include all inoperable vehicles, parts cars, boats and RVs that have been parked long term, and/or vehicles that have been on the road without moving for more than 24 hours. Voluntary compliance will save the owner a minimum of $125 in towing fines along with other possible city / state code violations.

If you know of a vehicle that needs attention, please contact us at 769-2320 or e-mail [email protected]. Please include the location, the vehicle description, the plate number (if it has one), and anything else known about the vehicle.

The week of November 7 - 11, 2011, personnel from the Department will be looking for abandoned vehicles and follow up with all those reported by the public. Vehicles that are a violation will be tagged for 48 hour removal. If the vehicles have not been moved by the allotted time, the Department will tow these vehicles. We will try to locate the owners to the best of our ability prior to towing. In the event we cannot, we will not only tag the vehicle, but leave a letter explaining the importance of removal.

We are looking forward to working with you to make the streets of Coeur d'Alene safe and passable.