The New York City Council is advocating for the installation of cameras on city street sweepers to strengthen enforcement of alternate-side parking rules, a proposal that could soon change the way violators are ticketed.
On May 28, the NYC Council passed a home rule requesting that state lawmakers advance legislation allowing the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to equip street sweeping trucks with cameras.
This initiative aims to address the persistent issue of cars obstructing street cleaning during designated hours.
Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler, who chairs the Council Committee on Governmental Affairs and State and Federal Legislation, stated, “This is a common-sense bill that will make our streets demonstrably cleaner.”
Restler emphasized that targeting repeat offenders will help improve compliance and contribute to cleaner streets, ultimately reducing the presence of rats and enhancing the quality of life for New Yorkers.
The proposed state bill is backed by Assembly Member Brian Cunningham and State Senator Robert Jackson, who represent parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, respectively.
If passed, this legislation would authorize the city to install cameras on street sweepers, enabling automated summonses to be issued to vehicles parked in violation of alternate-side parking rules.
This initiative is reminiscent of the Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program implemented by the MTA, which utilizes camera-equipped buses to ticket vehicles parked in bus lanes.
Currently, each street sweeper collects nearly a ton of debris per shift; however, the operation becomes hindered when cars are parked in the way.
Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan remarked, “Too many selfish people view the chance of a $65 ticket as just the cost of parking in the city, without regard for the fact that it also costs us something far more valuable, the dignity of our neighborhoods.”
He expressed that the proposed state legislation will provide DSNY with the necessary tools to effectively enforce cleanliness rules.
Under this new system, automated tickets would be capped at $50.
While many support the initiative, some residents express apprehension regarding increased enforcement measures.
Critics argue that the legislation may serve as a financial burden on drivers.
A Queens resident named Jimmy stated, “I personally have never gotten an alternate side of the street ticket as I move my car, but it’s one more money grab by the city, and it’s a war on drivers.”
Additionally, Anna from Staten Island voiced concerns about heightened surveillance, stating, “It’s more Big Brother in the city.”
Statistics presented by Restler’s office reveal that in 2023, 7% of vehicles accounted for 30% of all alternate-side parking violations.
The City Council is hopeful for swift passage of the bill through both houses of the state legislature before their session concludes on June 12.
However, as of now, the legislation faces hurdles, having yet to progress out of the committees in either the state senate or assembly.
image source from：https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/camera-sweepers-alternate-side-parking-nyc/
