NYC Council considers Bill to permit double parking under certain circumstances

The NY Post reports in an exclusive scoop about double parking in NYC, Councilman Vincent Gentile (D-Brooklyn) is introducing a Bill with Councilman Vallone and Councilman Greenfield to permit double parking while waiting for a soon-to-be-vacated-space; and stopping temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger.

The city has given an increasing number of double-parking tickets each year under Mayor Michael Bloomberg– from 806,112 in the fiscal year 2002 to more than 1.3 million in the last fiscal year. Councilman Gentile stated:

They’re going around and playing gotcha with people,” he said of ticketing agents, who work for the NYPD.

The Bills primary sponsor, Councilman Vallone stated:

“It’s enforcement gone wild.”

He continued:

“Half the time, they’re deserved, but the other half the time, the traffic agents abuse their discretion. Their first priority shouldn’t be revenue; it should be making sure that traffic moves safely.”

Commentary

This Bill is redundant but necessary. Double parking is a No Standing violation. According to the RCNY, stopping temporarily to pick up or discharge passengers is a defense to a No Standing violation. The warriors are enforcing the rule improperly. The judges are ignoring the information contained in the DOF Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings, which clearly states on page 10 and page 14, dropping off or picking up a passenger is a defense to double parking.

The way I see it, The NYC Council is considering a Bill to legalize something that is already LEGAL. I’m going quote my friend, the Cheshire Cat:

It’s O.K. We’re all mad here.”

Please share your opinion about this proposed new Bill. Have you been stung by an overzealous warrior’s scanner for double parking? Did you fight, pay or settle? Do you think this Bill will muster the necessary support to pass?