In the Moscow region, a new approach to handling vehicles that block garbage collection or snow removal has been put into practice. According to reports from the portal Behind the Wheel, tow trucks are now deployed to move cars that interfere with vital municipal services. The process involves transporting violators to a confiscated parking lot, and this occurs without direct involvement from the traffic police in each case. The aim is to keep routes clear and ensure timely waste collection and street maintenance during snow seasons and regular operations alike.
Officials in the Moscow region have recently highlighted a growing issue: improper vehicle storage that obstructs garbage trucks or snow-clearing operations. In response, authorities announced a policy that goes beyond issuing fines. In addition to the existing penalty of 1,500 rubles for stopping and parking violations, the new procedure authorizes towing and potential confiscation of the land where the vehicle is parked. This combination of enforcement tools is intended to deter repeated offenses and to improve the efficiency of city services that rely on unobstructed roadways and access to municipal infrastructure.
It is noted that, early in the calendar year, regional authorities were granted the authority to impose fines and initiate tow operations for improper parking without requiring the involvement of the traffic police. This shift in responsibility allows for swifter action when vehicles are found blocking essential municipal functions and aims to streamline the process of removing illegally parked cars from problem areas.
From a financial perspective, the costs associated with towing in 2024 for passenger vehicles and commercial fleets within the Moscow region have been specified. Passenger cars are estimated to incur towing fees around 6,100 rubles, while trucks face substantially higher costs, estimated at about 31,200 rubles. These figures reflect the added operational overhead of moving larger vehicles and the need to manage secure storage at the destination lot where impounded vehicles are held while the matter is resolved through administrative channels.
Earlier developments in the country include the Ministry of Transport issuing methodological recommendations for calculating paid parking prices. The document emphasizes that the starting fee should consider average per capita income in the respective federal subject and sociological data on residents’ willingness to pay for parking. The guidance also proposes increasing parking fees when parking occupancy reaches 85 percent or more, signaling a strategy to balance demand and supply while ensuring enough spaces for essential users and services. The approach aims to align pricing with local economic conditions and usage patterns, encouraging turnover and efficient use of urban parking resources.
Additionally, the cost of towing vehicles that are parked in violation of traffic rules has risen in Moscow since October 15. The policy change translates into higher charges for enforcement actions, with specific increases tied to engine power. For example, towing a passenger car with an engine up to 80 horsepower now costs more than earlier rates. The price for this category rose to 5,920 rubles, reflecting a 24.8 percent increase. For vehicles with 80 to 250 horsepower, the towing charge also climbed, reaching 9,450 rubles after a roughly 25.3 percent rise. These adjustments are part of a broader effort to fund municipal services and to create a more predictable framework for both vehicle owners and enforcement agencies regarding towing operations and penalties.
It is also noted that, starting February 22, 2024, a total of 31 street sections in Moscow were designated as paid street parking zones. This expansion aligns with the evolving policy landscape around parking management, urban mobility, and the monetization of curb space. The combined effect of these developments is to reinforce the city’s ability to manage traffic, maintain cleanliness, and ensure that essential operations can proceed with minimal disruption from improperly parked vehicles.