Skip to content

Is Car-Crushing Mayor Arturas Zuokas on the Prowl in New York?

Think twice before blocking that bike lane.

Think twice before blocking that bike lane.

Arturas Zuokas, the Mercedes-crushing mayor of the Lithuanian city of Vilnius, has launched a new campaign to curb illegal parking. Here is Zuokas, as quoted from a press release:

“Every single day, we go about our work and try to be good citizens. And we run into obstacles that make us want to scream because we encounter problems that we are seemingly powerless to overcome. I used a tank, but perhaps a tank is not readily available for rent in your particular town. So, here‘s an alternative for those who don‘t have a tank handy — a sticker that anyone, anywhere in the world can place on an illegally parked car that intrudes on your space. The sticker is easy to apply and it simply says: ‘Don‘t make me get the tank.’ You just need to STICK it onto a car — Mercedes or any other — and your message will be heard.”

Stickers are available free of charge in Vilnius, and if seeing is believing, Zuokas has expanded his crusade to the streets of New York.

Has the mayor of a foreign capital really gone guerrilla with an enforcement tactic soon to be abandoned by our own City Council? As you watch the video (hat tip to Animal) and judge for yourself, keep in mind this cryptic Zuokas comment: “If the sticker doesn’t work, I do have the tank on standby and am willing to travel.”

Photo of Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York'’s dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Read More:

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Non-Profits, City Officials Put Pressure On Lawmakers To OK Gov. Hochul’s ‘Stop Super Speeders’ Effort

April 20, 2026

‘A Solution, But To What Problem?’ Experts Say AVs Are The Elephant In The Room, But There’s Still Time To Figure Out Their Role

April 20, 2026

Opinion: Don’t Design Grand Army Plaza For 2007 — Build It For The Future

April 20, 2026

AG James Won’t Charge Cop Who Ran Over And Dragged Sleeping Man in Park While Applying Makeup

April 20, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: World Cup Fuss Edition

April 20, 2026
See all posts