'It's not fair': Reaction to parking rules for papal visit

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Many Center City residents are trying to figure what to do with their cars, after a surprise announcement about towing ahead of the papal visit.

The city of Philadelphia will start towing cars Sunday, September 20th, nearly a week before Pope Francis arrives in the city. Parking restrictions and towing will continued through Wednesday, September 23rd.

Violators will get a $76 dollar ticket and will have to pay another $175 for the tow.

MORE: See list of available garages and parking rules here

The city is offering some help for people who live in the vehicle security zone, but residents say those alternatives don't help much.

"We think it's a terrible inconvenience. It's not fair," said Diana Staukus of Spring Garden.

The cars parked in her neighborhood have to be off the street or they'll be towed starting Monday the 21st at 9 a.m.

Finding another spot a few blocks away won't be easy, since parking is always tight in these row home neighborhoods.

"I mean we have trouble parking here when the roads aren't closed, so anything will be better than driving around for an hour, getting closed off somewhere," said Laura Cover of Spring Garden.

To help out, the city is making 2,000 parking spaces available in six parking authority garages and lots.

They'll cost $20 for the entire weekend. However, the garage fee will be waived for those with a current, valid residential parking permit inside the papal visit secure zone.

Starting Monday, residents can go to the Parking Authority office on 8th Street and get a placard.

With the placard they can remain parked on the street until 10 p.m. Thursday, September 24th before moving into the garages.

The nearest garage is eight blocks from the home of Vince Thompson, who runs a plumbing business from his home.

"I thought that I could maintain my business until Thursday by parking on the street, but now I have to move out Sunday, so I'll miss a week of work," he said.

May are facing hardships and, with time running out, many still haven't figured out what they're going to do with their vehicles.

"We don't know, to tell you the truth. We're already missing work," said Patrick Sharp. "We have to wing it."

The city is also offering 1,500 free parking spots at the Naval Hospital at 1600 Pattison Avenue. But, like one resident said, "that's nice, but I can also find free parking in California."