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Impound Parking Pointers What is the Municipal Impound Lot?

The Municipal Impound Lot is a 9-acre facility in southeast Calgary that provides a safe and secure storage area for vehicles seized by peace officers. Peace officers include members of Calgary Police Service, Special Constables and City of Calgary Bylaw Enforcement Officers. Although the Impound Lot used to be operated by a private contractor, since March 31 of 2001 it has been administered by the Calgary Parking Authority.

The Calgary Municipal Impound Lot has space for approximately 1200 vehicles. Over 34,000 vehicles are seized each year by peace officers. Just a reminder - the Impound Lot staff is responsible for the care and release of vehicles at the Lot. The staff is not responsible for the initial seizing of vehicles.

Can you tell me...?
	Why is my vehicle at the Impound Lot?
	One reason a vehicle is taken to the Impound Lot is for violating parking regulations. Public safety, traffic flow and community standards are the basis for parking regulations. A vehicle parked in a restricted traffic lane during rush hour is a safety hazard and may obstruct more than 500 other vehicles each hour. Vehicles damaged in a collision, stolen vehicles that are under investigation and derelict vehicles may also be towed to the Impound Lot.
	What do I need to claim my vehicle from the Municipal Impound Lot?
	To claim an impounded vehicle, you must provide proof of ownership and identification and pay all towing and storage fees. Uninsured and unregistered vehicles may not be driven out of the Impound Lot; they may only be towed to private property at the owner's expense. Vehicle operators must provide proof of a valid driver's license. Vehicles will not be released to persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Vehicles (or property) that have been seized for investigation may only be accessed or released upon approval of the peace officer that seized the vehicle. To have someone else claim the vehicle, a letter of authorization from the registered owner is required indicating the make, model, licence plate number and the Vehicle Identification Number. The letter must be signed and dated by the registered owner of the vehicle. The designated person will require a copy of the vehicle registration, insurance if the vehicle is to be driven out and a valid driver's licence. Again, vehicles will not be released to persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Vehicles (or property) that have been seized for investigation may only be accessed or released upon approval of the peace officer that seized the vehicle. Impound Lot staff can only release a vehicle to its owner or that person's designated representative in accordance with the Traffic Safety Act.
	Are there any conditions for driving my vehicle away from the Impound Lot?
	As the driver, you must have a valid operator's licence. Vehicles will not be released to anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The vehicle must be roadworthy, properly insured and have valid licence plates.
	How much will it cost to remove my vehicle from the Impound Lot?
	The fee schedule is posted in the entrance area of the Impound Lot. You will be charged the costs of towing and storage of the vehicle. If you claim the vehicle within 12 hours no storage fee will be charged. The fees may be paid with cash, debit, Visa or Master card.
	Why should the owner of a stolen vehicle pay fees if it has been taken to the Impound Lot?
	The cost of towing and storage of vehicles taken to the Impound Lot is the responsibility of the owner of the vehicles. Waived fees would increase the cost to other customers or the taxpayer. Vehicle owners may purchase insurance that covers all costs associated with the theft of their vehicle. If insurance is not purchased then the owner assumes the risk and costs associated with theft.
	Who keeps the money from the Impound Lot?
	The Municipal Impound Lot operates at zero cost to the taxpayer and at zero profit. The fees have decreased by 15 per cent over the last three years with improvements in the efficiency of the Impound Lot.
	What happens to unclaimed vehicles?
	Every reasonable attempt is made to contact the registered owner of an impounded vehicle. Unclaimed vehicles are sold at public auction. These auctions are held monthly. Unclaimed vehicles that are of no value may be recycled after seizure. After recovery of towing and storage fees, the revenue generated through vehicle disposal goes to the Alberta Government. A registered owner may claim a vehicle anytime prior to the sale of the vehicle and is entitled to claim from the Alberta Government the residual revenue after sale.

A Customer Focus

Customer service is emphasized at the Impound Lot.

Owners are notified within 48 hours of vehicle seizure;
Towing rates are posted on tow trucks;
A 'no-charge release' policy for parking infractions has been implemented - if the owner arrives and agrees to comply before the towing begins - tow truck operators release the vehicles at no charge;
Vehicle disposal information for potential buyers has been streamlined to improve efficiency;
Staff focuses on providing quality service to customers.

Legislation

The following sections of the Traffic Safety Act, Vehicle Seizure and Removal Regulation and Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation affect the Impound Lot:

Under Section 77 of the Traffic Safety Act, a peace officer can remove from a highway vehicles parked: