Any vehicle parked, stopped or standing upon a highway in violation of any of the provisions of this article is declared to be a hazard to traffic and public safety. Such vehicle shall be removed by the operator in charge to a position where parking is permitted or to a private or public parking or storage premises or property. Any officer, after issuing a citation for either illegal parking, stopping or standing of any unattended vehicle in violation of this article, is authorized to remove such vehicle to a position where parking is permitted or to cause the towing of such vehicle. In addition to other penalties provided by this article, the owner or operator of a vehicle so removed shall pay the reasonable costs of removing, towing and storage. If the vehicle is moved or towed by a private motor carrier, the motor vehicle tower is entitled to recover the actual charges regularly paid for such service. If the vehicle is stored in a public storage garage or rental facility, customary charges for such storage shall be paid. Upon payment, a receipt shall be issued to the owner of the vehicle for the towing or storage charges.