Push to clear New Haven streets

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Four days after the crippling snow storm the city of New Haven is making a big push to clear the streets of all that snow. City plows hit the streets along with a fleet of tow trucks to clear all the snow and any vehicles that were in the way.

There are still snow covered cars parked on New Haven city streets, but not for long.

Tuesday night New Haven began major snow emergency towing. Within 30 minutes, Jose Antonio says he towed 3 cars and his night has just begun.

"A little busy. It's going to get worse," said Antonio a tow truck driver.

Any car parked on a designated "Snow Emergency Route," may not be there in the morning. The city is towing so there can be more plowing on major roads like State Street, which tow trucks cleared of cars in just minutes.

"Are you surprised there are so many cars parked on the street," asked News 8's Nneka Nwosu.

"Very surprised, yeah. Usually people learn their lesson and they keep coming back though," said Antonio.

When Tuesday's towing is done, New Haven hopes to reopen downtown businesses on Wednesday.

After getting about 3 ft. of snow, Elm City payloaders and plow trucks have been working almost non-stop to clear streets. As of late Tuesday afternoon, city officials in New Haven tell News 8 all streets should have been opened.

"I want to be clear what open means. It's a lane that's very bumpy and if no one's coming at you in the other direction, you can get down," said Mayor DeStefano.

The mayor admits this is far from ideal but everyone will feel less trapped. Now the city needs your cooperation so they can widen the roads and eliminate the traffic jams and if you make it to your car just as the tow truck pulls up, don't worry.

Some drivers will understand, but Antonio says, "Well we charge them, yeah, $150, without taking it back to the shop. We cut her a break. Could be worse."

They will be towing in New Haven until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. When towing happens Wednesday night, parking will only be allowed on the even side of the street city wide. Cars parked on the odd side may be towed.

For a full list of the snow emergency route, click here.