The impoundment of vehicles under authority of the provisions of this chapter shall be construed as an enforcement procedure for protection of the public peace, safety and welfare, and the safeguarding of property, and shall be used generally for the prevention and removal of traffic hazards, prevention and abatement of public nuisances arising from traffic law violations, protection of the public rights in the use of streets and thoroughfares from obstructions placed and left in derogation of those rights, and for safeguarding and protecting recovered stolen vehicles. (1985 Code § 15-1301)