ALBANY, N.Y. -- "I live in Central Towers. I came down to go get my car and all of a sudden it's gone," said Peter Alindato of Albany.

"I called the cops, and they said it was towed because they were cleaning the streets," said Ruber Rodriguez of Albany. "I had no idea."

It was a familiar refrain in Albany on Monday as those caught on the wrong side of the road went to reclaim their cars.

"It's crazy," said Rodriguez, "especially because it's going to cost, like, $125."

Depending which garage the car is towed to, it can cost anywhere from $125 to $200 to get it back, but that's not counting any outstanding parking tickets which need to be paid before the car is claimed.

Ken Burkheart of Albany said, "Well, I thought I did the right thing last night, but when I went out to get my cars...they were both gone."

Burkheart lives in Washington Park, and things got a little confusing during the snow emergency. Cars have to be on the even side of the street through 8 p.m. Monday night, then they have to be moved to the odd side.

Burkheart said, "I'm confused. I'm new in town so this is my first winter here."

It's also the city's first snow emergency of the season, which is in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

For information about the city's snow emergency, call 476-SNOW.