September 20, 2015
In anticipation of Pope Francis's appearance, just 216 vehicles have been removed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority as of Wednesday afternoon, according to a spokesman.
"We had estimated we'd be removing 600 vehicles, but the compliance rate has been tremendous," said PPA spokesman Marty O'Rourke.Towing ends Thursday, with various tow zones phasing on over time.
"The word got out. People get it," said O'Rourke. "We had to remove very few vehicles."
Vehicle owners who bought and displayed windshield placards showing they have reserved space in a city garage have a grace period until Thursday to remove their cars from streets other than the parkway.
Cars removed from streets before Thursday are getting hit with $76 citations and will be "relocated," rather than impounded.
To recover a relocated vehicle, a motorist should call 215-686-7669 to find out where the car was taken.
But cars towed after 10 p.m. Thursday will be impounded and will cost $175 to retrieve.
The map below shows when cars will be towed so that officials can start to put up fencing and secure the area.
Thursday, 6 p.m.: residents who purchased space in a Philadelphia Parking Authority garage must move their cars and leave them in the garage until Monday.
Friday, 6 p.m.: the full Center City traffic box goes into effect, extending from the Delaware River to 38th Street in West Philly. No cars will be allowed to enter the area until Monday except for designated vehicles.
For more information, see our complete guide to the papal visit.
