UNDATED – “No Parking Tow-Away” zones will be strictly enforced this year, namely along IL Rt 178 and IL Rt 71 near Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. According to Illinois State Police Dist. 17, The large volume of visitors at the state parks has resulted in vehicles being parked in “No Parking Tow-Away” zones located along IL Rt 178 and IL Rt 71, adjacent to the parks. The problem is so pervasive it has become a safety issue to pedestrians and motorists. Officials say in addition, the illegal parking has also made responding to the area difficult for emergency vehicles. Troopers are to patrol duties along IL Rt 178 and IL Rt 71 in the zones, and plan on having tow trucks on-site and immediately tow vehicles parked in the tow-away zones. Citations will also be issued to the owners of vehicles who are found to park where prohibited. A citation for Parking Where Prohibited is $164. It is considered a moving violation. The estimated fee for towing a vehicle from the area to an area tow yard is approximately $300.