Philadelphia starts towing cars to make room for pope

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia has closed the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and started towing vehicles in preparation for Pope Francis' visit.

City Parking Authority trucks honked their horns to give people who had parked near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway a chance to move their vehicles on Sunday night. The Secret Service wants the vehicles off the streets nearest the parkway as a security precaution.

Vehicles that are towed before Thursday are being relocated and motorists will receive a $76 ticket.

Motorists can avoid the tow if they obtain windshield cards from the parking authority. But the vehicles must be moved by Thursday.

The towing will continue until Friday morning.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the area because the inner and outer lanes of the parkway are closed.