Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bill de Blasio

NYPD Says Cops Can Block Fire Hydrants With Personal Vehicles, Because They’re Cops

Mayor de Blasio said recently that he's not happy with the way his placard "crackdown" is going.

"I don’t think the city agencies have done a good enough job," de Blasio told WNYC's Brian Lehrer, "and I have again directed the deputy mayor for operations to come up with a much more aggressive plan because there cannot be any sense that placard abuse is acceptable."

If de Blasio is finally getting serious about placard abuse, he has to start with NYPD. Under de Blasio, cops are so accustomed to living above the law that they don't even try to hide it.

When Danny Imperiali notified 311 of a placard abuser blocking a fire hydrant near the 114th Precinct in Astoria, NYPD, via 311, responded that the offense was actually “authorized parking in vicinity of precinct.”

these responses from @nyc311 re: #placardabuse near the @NYPD114Pct keeping changing. today it turns out that blocking bus stops and fire hydrants is ok as long as youre in the "vicinity" a police station @placardabuse 1/2

cc @Costa4NY @Cb1Queens pic.twitter.com/h97HrHcSr3

— Danny Imperiali (@dimpNewYork) August 2, 2018

There's no such thing as authorized illegal parking. That's not how laws work.

Parking rules exist because illegally parked vehicles pose a risk to the public. It doesn't matter who the vehicle belongs to.

The 114th Precinct is where two weeks ago cops blamed cyclist Xellea Samonte for her own death, ignoring evidence to the contrary. Which is another indication that officers only identify with people who get around inside a motor vehicle.

In the world outside the NYPD bubble, laws apply to everyone. Until de Blasio is willing to pop that bubble, all his crackdown rhetoric will continue to be just that.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Reining in Deliverista Distances is the Key to Safety

A mileage fee on food deliveries can serve workers as well as the society of which they’re a part. What are we waiting for? 

November 5, 2024

State Now Considering Car-Free Connector Next To Cross-Bronx Expwy Instead of Covert Highway

Perhaps all of the local outrage over building a parallel highway to the Cross Bronx is working?

November 5, 2024

DECISION ’24: The Next President Needs a Vision for America’s Transportation Future

No matter who wins the White House, advocates are ready to push for the transportation system we all deserve — starting with these nine principles.

November 5, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines: Vote Like Your Life Depends on It Edition

Forgive us for wishing that a presidential candidate — ever — addressed the nation's road violence epidemic. Plus other Election Day news.

November 5, 2024

Slaughter of the Innocents: SUV Driver Kills Upper West Side Teen

Thirteen-year-old Niyell McCrorey is the 15th child killed by drivers so far this year, and at least the 97th pedestrian.

November 5, 2024
See all posts