NYC Council passes a 5 minute grace period parking law, despite Bloomberg’s objection

Mayor Bloomberg is expected to veto the Bill. Monday was an “orange” letter day for the NYC driving public. The NY Times reports:

The New York City Council voted overwhelmingly on Monday to grant ticket-fatigued drivers a five-minute grace period before parking meter regulations and alternate-side parking rules are enforced, boldly defying Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who hours earlier vowed to veto the measure ”

To which parking violations does the 5-minute grace period apply?

The bill applies to Muni-meters and alternate-side parking regulations. The bill will not apply to regular, coin-operated parking meters.

Mayor Bloomberg argues:

“A five-minute grace period is only going to lead to chaos and enormous increases in the number of contested tickets, and in argument. Whose watch are you going to use?”

The measure passed by a vote of 47-2, which means there are sufficient “yea’s” to override the Mayor’s veto.

Can the NYC driving public handle some more good NYC parking ticket news?

The NYC Council handed out some more good news for the  NYC driving public, as follows:

• Requiring the DOT to provide 30 days of notice before changing parking meter rates; and,
• Post on its Web site any changes to parking rules, whether permanent or temporary

Commentary

• Kudos to Councilman Simcha Felder for leading the NYC parking ticket charge. He is a true champion of the NYC driving public!
• A third term Mayor should be able to fashion a better argument against the 5-minute grace period than, “it will lead to chaos, more fighting, and who’s watch are we going to use.”
• This 5 minute grace period is not about the money. It’s about being empowered to fight the inconsistent enforcement and abusive tactics of some parking ticket warriors. The NYC Council finally heard the cries of the NYC driving public and took action. Bravo
• Or, did the NYC Council use the parking ticket grace period as an opportunity to fight back against a schoolyard bully? Is this a precursor to the fight Mayor Bloomberg is going to have on his hands during his last four years in office; or will the Mayor try to add another 4-year term to the mangled terms limits law?
• I haven’t read the proposed language of the bill, but my guess is it will actually eliminate or significantly reduce the 8:01  parking ticket dispute because:
  • The bill should not change the hours for a parking rule to begin and end
  • It should simply add a 5 minute grace period before the parking rule can be enforced by the warriors
  • The driving public can no longer argue for a break because a parking ticket is now issued at 8:06. You got your break with a grace period.You have 5 extra minutes to get to your car. Use them wisely, and don’t delay your arrival until 8:05
  • The feel good parking rule is the 5 minute grace period, but the really good news for the NYC driving public is the DOT must publish a notice on their Web site prior to changing the rules. Now that’s real fair!

You have a lot to think about with these changes. Please share your opinions and post a comment. No fair keeping your thoughts to yourself!

[Editors note:  The NYC Council voted overwhelmingly to override Mayor Bloomberg’s veto of the 5 Minute Grace Period Bill.  The NYC parking law will take effect on March 21, 2010]