John Liu: Standing Up for Put-Upon Drivers
Joining other public officials in the war on parking enforcement, Queens City Council Member John Liu wants to keep drivers sane by changing the rule that permits them to park by a broken meter for one hour. Instead, Liu says, motorists should be allowed to defer to time limits set by street signs.
In an e-mail blast entitled "Parking Rules That Drive People Crazy," Liu staffer Barbara Baruch writes:
The City Council Transportation Committee, chaired by Council Member John Liu, is continuously proposing ways to make parking in New York City "a more civilized experience". One way is to prevent unreasonable parking tickets that chronically plague New Yorkers by clarifying confusing and inconsistent parking regulations such as the "broken meter rule".
The Department of Transportation says the current rule curbs vandalism. At a recent committee hearing, DOT Deputy Commissioner David Woloch testified that "The longer the time is extended, the greater incentive there is for someone to break a meter.” Liu and other council members, including Simcha Felder of Brooklyn, disagree.
"The DOT needs to find better balance," Liu said. "It’s sheerobstinacy to perpetuate the broken meter rule when the rule does notdeter vandals and yet penalizes law-abiding motorists."
Liu has introduced legislation that would do away with the current rule, along with another bill requiring DOT to replace all coin meters with Muni-Meters by July 2010.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog New York City
Astoria Organizers Lead the Way on Street Safety with a Reddit Strategy
The western Queens neighborhood has become a hub for a new kind of safe street advocacy.
Connecticut’s Regional Rail Investment is Not About New York City
Gov. Ned Lamont will spend $315 million investment on new rail cars — but they're not going anywhere near Grand Central. Here's why.
Tuesday’s Headlines: Taxi Driver Edition
It was a pretty slow Monday, but we have news from the Traffic Mobility Review Board meeting!
State DMV’s New Rules Could Kinda Sorta Make Roadways Safer
Of course, it all depends on enforcement and diligence of our motor vehicle officials and cops.
Popular Fort Greene Open Street Fizzles After City Pulls Support
DOT reassigned its contractor, and this open street — which once hosted rollicking dance parties — is history.
