(Washington, DC)  As of Monday, September 27, the Department of Public Works (DPW) consolidated its two vehicle impoundment operations at one location on 5001 Shepherd Parkway, SW. 

In addition to housing DPW’s abandoned vehicle operations, the Blue Plains Impoundment and Storage Facility is now home to the short-term lot for booted vehicles and those towed for other parking violations.

Booted vehicles, most of which are in good condition, are typically towed for unpaid parking tickets and stay impounded for less than 72 hours. The short-term impoundment area will take up 500 spaces, or approximately one-third of the Blue Plains facility, which has until now been used solely for storing abandoned cars awaiting disposal.

Blue Plains can now accommodate both operations because program improvements have expedited the flow of cars off the impound lot, according to DPW Acting Director, William O. Howland, Jr.

“Along with new legislation that allows us to dispose of abandoned vehicles after 28 days, technology upgrades and better management help us to more accurately track and process those vehicles.  So, on Day 29, they’re gone,” he said.

To claim a towed vehicle from the Blue Plains facility, all outstanding fines and fees must first be paid at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) satellite office at 65 K Streets, NE.  Owners should be prepared to show DMV officials proof of registration and insurance for the towed vehicle.

To reach the Blue Plains facility via public transportation, owners can take the Metrorail Green Line to the Anacostia Station, and then board an A4/DC Village Metrobus.  Owners should get off the bus on Shepherd Parkway at DC Village Lane, then walk a short distance to the impoundment lot at the end of Shepherd Parkway, SW.

The short-term lot for booted vehicles is open weekdays from 7:30 am – 8 pm.  The area holding abandoned vehicles is open weekdays from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm.