Bloomberg Promises to Improve the NYC Parking Tickets System

Here’s a peek at the direction the Mayor is headed in the world of NYC parking tickets

The Daily News published an article today by NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg about the Mayor’s promises to improve the NYC parking tickets system. Here are some of the more noteworthy issues he addresses:

• Making parking less of a hassle by working with community boards to check existing parking regulations. He cites his work with reducing alternate-side-of-the-street-parking in various Brooklyn neighborhoods.

  • Here’s a shout out to our readers in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook–Is the Mayor’s plan working in your neighborhood? Has parking become less of a hassle?

• Exploring the possibility of allowing free automatic electronic money transfers-as many New Yorkers now use in paying their utility and phone bills 

  • The Mayor points out that the current $2.00 convenience fee for paying by credit card is assessed to cover the transaction charge imposed by the credit card companies.
  • It is NOT a fee charged by NYC

• Exploring the possibility of an amnesty program for scofflaws

  • NYC is owed almost $700M in overdue fines and penalties
  • That’s enough money to pay the salaries of 7,000 police officers

• Increase sensitivity training for parking ticket warriors

Larry’s Commentary:

I think it is commendable that Mayor Bloomberg addresses some of the problem areas in the NYC parking ticket system that need attention. For example:

•  Eliminating or reducing the race to your parking space on alternate-side-of the-street-parking days.

  This will be a great relief. It’s hard enough to get yourself and your household ready for the day, without the added pressure of racing to your space. I invite our readers in the neighborhoods where this program is being implemented to share their experiences. Is it working?

• The $2.00 transaction fee adds insult to injury. 

If a customer has a large number of parking tickets to pay, the $2.00 charge adds up very quickly. NYC will get its money faster by offering a FREE alternative. This gesture will benefit NYC, and the driving public

• An amnesty program is a terrific idea. 

It worked wonders in Chicago, and other areas. Allowing NYC parking ticket receivables to reach $700M is unconscionable.  Why is amnesty offered for guns, and not parking tickets? C’mon NYC, let’s get with an amnesty program ASAP.  7,000 police officer salaries…What’s the downside? You haven’t been able to collect this money since 2001.

• Whether you call it sensitivity training or civility training, I applaud the Mayor for bringing attention to the bad behavior of “some” of the parking ticket warriors.

I always recommend our readers to respond to a warrior with respect, or silence. Parking ticket warriors have a thankless job. But it is a job, which many New Yorker’s don’t have at present. Leave the attitude home. You are exacerbating a problem fraught with emotions; and you make it more difficult for the warriors who do their job with civility.

Please share your thoughts about the Mayor’s promises. What areas would you address? Do you believe Mayor Bloomberg will deliver?