Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Parking Placards

Serial City Parking Permit Abuser Snagged by Streetsblog Placard “Crackdown” Smackdown

The Human Resources Administration says it took this city car away from a serial placard abuser. But what about the next staffer who drives it?

There's one less NYC employee abusing a parking placard.

After Streetsblog published photos of a Human Resources Administration employee repeatedly stowing a city-owned vehicle in no parking zones in Inwood, the agency says it has taken action.

“We take the misuse and abuse of city parking privileges seriously," HRA spokesperson Lourdes Centeno told Streetsblog in an email. "Despite multiple warnings, this employee continued to violate the privilege and as a result we’ve taken away the vehicle.”

Centeno said the agency is pursuing additional disciplinary action against the employee, whom HRA declined to identify.

Of course it's possible the vehicle in question will be used by another staffer who will just pick up where the first placard abuser left off. As long as NYPD ignores parking rule violators -- many of whom are cops -- and Mayor de Blasio hands out placards like candy, misuse by city employees will remain a problem.

Word is the mayor didn't mention placard abuse at a Wednesday closed-door meeting with traffic enforcement agents, which is further evidence that de Blasio's so-called "crackdown" is about as genuine as a New York State Numismatic Agency permit.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Republican Signs On To Super Speeder Bill, After Defending Reckless Driving

A Brooklyn politican who defended speeding at a funeral for victims of traffic violence now supports preventive legislation.

November 24, 2025

Money for Something: Uber is Driving The Race for City Council Speaker

What does Uber expect to receive in return for $250,000 in donations to two Council Speaker candidates?

November 24, 2025

‘The Permanence Agenda’: Paint and Plastic Won’t Deliver Real Street Safety

DOT’s quick-build approach to redesigning streets with paint and other temporary materials has worked well enough — but Mayor-elect Mamdani should aim for permanence.

November 24, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Cartoon Bromance Edition

The president and the mayor were all smiles, but lots of Streetsbloggy topics were discussed in the Oval, as it turns out. Plus other news.

November 24, 2025

NIMBY-Mania: Middle Village Has a Love-Hate Relationship with the IBX

The idea of making it easier to reach Middle Village clearly put some Middle Villagers on edge.

November 23, 2025

Speaker Adams and DOT Are Eviscerating Daylighting Bill

Some are looking to the next mayor and Council to pass the life-saving measure.

November 21, 2025
See all posts