Hundreds in Hartford woke up after the storm Friday to find their cars had been towed as city workers enforced the on-street parking ban.
Tow trucks have operated continuously since the storm hit Thursday, picking up more than 200 cars illegally parked on Hartford streets during the snow emergency.
“I was really upset... really upset,” said Jackie Estrella, whose car was towed from Denison Street off Farmington Avenue. “There was nothing out here stating there was any sort of ban."
Estrella, who lives in Florida, was visiting her mother and said she didn’t know she was in violation. She had to pay up to get her rental car back.
Some towing companies said it cost at least $130 to retrieve a car, including the tow and daily storage fees.
Hartford police said they gave the public plenty of warning about the parking ban that started at noon on Thursday.
"It’s like a slalom course when the cars are out there, and we have to get them out of there," said Hartford police spokesperson Lt. Brian Foley.
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Once the ban took effect, police said they went through neighborhoods and reminded residents, then gave out tickets. Authorities said drivers had hours to move their cars before tow trucks were called.
He said residents were advised to park instead in nearby lots at Hartford schools, recreation centers and parks. Locations were advertised on the city of Hartford’s website.
But still, Estrella said she was unaware and plans to do things differently going forward.
“Maybe I’ll just take the bus," Estrella said. "That might be a better idea, or come during summertime."
Police said they towed fewer cars during this storm than in previous weather incidents. They also said most people did comply with the parking ban.
