Last Updated on November 28, 2014 by Lawrence Berezin
NYC parking vigilantes-fair or foul?
I receive a bunch of telephone calls, and comments on Larry’s Parking Ticket Blog about the evils of illegally saving parking spaces, blocking driveways, and all kinds of bad parking behavior. For example:
- There was the guy who punched a woman who was saving a parking space (not Ray Rice)
- The police officer who left her patrol car parked in front of a fire hydrant while she went for lunch
- How about the parking lot attendant mafia that placed cones in parking spaces on the street and rented ’em out?
Bad behavior? Sure. But, does it justify the actions of parking vigilantes?
Check out this CBS News report about the spray paint vigilante
Commentary
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Parking in nyc is a job but not if live at 64-53 Madison street ridgewood ny 11385 on a dead end street. The city does not care sanitation it seems is being paid off. In front of and next to this building are 3 parking spaces between 2 driveways. With their cameras watching the street below (constantly) these folks enjoy holding all 3 on street parking spaces with only 2 cars 24 hours a day day and night. No hassle the story is always the same. They come and go as they please remove 1 car add another. What a game. Others living on this block see this and now they do similar events when they need. Come see for yourself a lesson is here to be learned by all. Thank you.
Dear Confused,
Good morning.
Thanks for posting your story…An example of selfish people trying to gain an edge (for no legitimate reason).
Best,
Larry
I notified the 113 pct and Dot regarding “parking Vigilante” and it was a waste of time. Everyone in Queens are placing cones in front of there homes while the go to work. We need help in the 412 community south Jamaica.
Hi Kim,
Sad.
Thanks for your comment, Kim.
Regards,
Larry
Every tire repair shop in NYC blocks 2-4 spots in front of their shop with cones. Is this legal?
Hi Frustrated in Brooklyn,
I would be too.
It is very illegal to save parking spaces. Here’s the Rule, 4-08(n)(7)
(n) Special restrictions on parking.
(7) Unofficial reserving of parking space. It shall be unlawful for any person to reserve or attempt to reserve a parking space, or prevent any vehicle from parking on a public street
through his/her presence in the roadway, the use of hand-signals, or by placing any box, can, crate, handcart, dolly or any other device, including unauthorized pavement, curb or street markings or signs in the roadway.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
A city worker puts a sign on his front window shield, saves the parking space for his car, and does not move alternate side parking days. He does not get a ticket like everybody else. Also, he puts a cone on the spot so nobody else can park, and he puts his SUV, or convertible, in the space. Now he parks a motorcycle on the sidewalk. This is happening in the Bronx at Leland Ave on the corner of Story Ave NY 10473. Please HELP me do something about this person.
Hi Carmen,
Wow. What a nightmare. You have several options:
(Meanwhile, you may want to take photos of the neighbor’s bad behavior).
-Report the abuse to the police after you have photos to document your report
-Report the violation to the sanitation department on street cleaning days
-Contact the local news or newspaper to report the story
Good luck.
Keep me posted.
Regards,
Larry
Dear frustrated S. Richmond Hill Queens
My neighbor need your help, there is always a large tow truck parked in front of my house. The owner also brings junk cars to hold up the parking spaces in the block. This has been going on for 3+years. There is limited parking space in my neighborhood. The neighborhood called 311 and the police have done absolutely nothing about the situation.
I understand I live in south Richmond Hill and everyone has illegal driveways people park illegal motorcycle with no plates to hold the spot I got so mad that I moved it and parked there if it has no plates you can’t park in the street simple as that
I hear you, Alex, and I understand your frustration.
Regards,
Larry