A tip of the hat to the City Council, which recently approved a comprehensive package of legislative measures to crack down on the improper use of City-issued parking permits, known as placards.
The legislation is designed to rein in misuse of placards throughout the five boroughs.
According to the council, the package would enhance enforcement of placard abuse and dangerous illegal parking by establishing a six-month pilot program requiring the Police Department to evaluate sites throughout the City based on complaints related to placard abuse and document their enforcement efforts with photographs. This work would be reviewed by the Department of Investigation, which is now for the first time being tasked with investigations into the enforcement of permit misuse. The City will also have new enhanced penalties for using a fake placard and clear guidelines for revoking the placards of individuals who repeatedly misuse their permit, the council noted.
“Placard permits are a privilege, not a right. When people abuse this privilege and flout traffic laws, they not only create inconvenience to drivers and cyclists who follow the rules—they make the streets dangerous for everybody,” said Councilwoman Maragaret Chin (D-Manhattan).
Additionally, the package creates a standardized application process for City-issued parking permits to better manage the process of receiving a placard and mandates that the City develop a comprehensive plan on the use and distribution of placards. The bills would also expand the ability to report placard abuse and illegal parking by requiring the City’s 311 service to accept complaints and photographs related to illegal parking and misusing parking permits. These bills will also increase the penalty for using a fake placard and sets clear guidelines for revoking the placards of individuals who repeatedly misuse their permit. The package includes legislation requiring periodic reporting on the improper use of placards and reports of illegal parking by official City vehicles. Finally, the package would prohibit official City vehicles from blocking a bike lane, bus lane, crosswalk, sidewalk, or fire hydrant.
“Placard abuse is corruption, plain and simple, and the City Council is cracking down,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “Street space in New York City is too valuable a commodity to let placards—both real and fake—have the run of the place. Passing this package of bills is another major step forward in our efforts to make it easier to get around New York City in ways that are efficient, safe, and environmentally sustainable.”
THANK YOU!! FINALLY someone called this pervasive, insidious practice what it clearly is: CORRUPTION.
“Placard abuse is rampant across New York City, and its damaging impact can be seen on side streets and avenues in all five boroughs. The effects of placard corruption are not just an inconvenience, but a danger and a misuse of our roadways. Doubling the penalty for such blatant fraudulent actions will serve as a strong deterrent to this abuse,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
From your lips to God’s ears, Mr. Williams.
