Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Release #430-00

 
Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter 212-788-2958
Tom Antenen (DCPI) 212-374-6700
Tom Cocola (DOT) 212-442-7033
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MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN

Declares Zero-Tolerance For Drivers Who Block the Box and Double Park
Citywide Crackdown To Begin November 17th

Announces Pilot "Park and Ride Wednesdays" Campaign At Shea Stadium

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Iris Weinshall today unveiled the City's Holiday Traffic Control Plan aimed at easing traffic congestion throughout the City during the upcoming holiday season.

This year's comprehensive strategy will include: zero tolerance enforcement against blocking gridlock boxes at intersections and double parking; an enhanced Park and Ride program at Shea Stadium; an increase in traffic agents, Police Officers and highway tow truck operators; an embargo on new, non-emergency street and sidewalk construction in selected areas; enhanced enforcement of commercial vehicle regulations; and a toll-free hotline set up to report gridlock congestion.

"With a record number of holiday travelers expected to visit New York City this holiday season, the City will again implement a Holiday Traffic Control Plan that will help alleviate the traffic congestion on our City's streets," said Mayor Giuliani. "Holiday traffic can often impede emergency vehicles and dramatically affect public safety. This year the City will have zero tolerance for individuals who block the box or double park. If you think you can get away with it, think again. This Holiday Traffic Control Plan builds on our previous and ongoing successful initiatives and incorporates many new ideas.

"I ask all New Yorkers and visitors to cooperate with these regulations to keep this holiday season a safe and joyous one. I would also encourage visitors and New Yorkers alike to take advantage of the 'One City - One Fare' program, utilize the City's mass transit system through the holiday season and consider the new Park and Ride program at Shea Stadium."

The Holiday Traffic Control Plan will focus on the following areas:

DON'T BLOCK THE BOX

OPERATION MOVE-ALONG

SHEA STADIUM PARK AND RIDE


MIDTOWN MANHATTAN COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PAID PARKING PILOT PROGRAM

STREET AND SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION EMBARGO

OPERATION ON-BOARD

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CENTER

PEDESTRIAN SEPARATORS

SIGNAL TIME MODIFICATIONS

SELECTED TURN - PARKING RESTRICTIONS


SHOPPING MALLS

OTHER TRAFFIC CONTROL STRATEGIES

Police Commissioner Kerik said, "With plunging crime rates, a booming economy, and holiday attractions that are unmatched anywhere in the world, we expect this holiday season to be one of New York City's busiest and brightest. This added excitement is certain to bring added pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and the NYPD has put a comprehensive plan into place that will keep the traffic flowing and keep our streets and sidewalks safe. Mass transit is by far the best ride in town, but if you have to drive make sure you do so in accordance with the law. You can bet that the NYPD will be out there to make sure that you do."

Transportation Commissioner Weinshall said, "The holiday season will mean more tourists, pedestrians and motorists in our City. Our goal is to ensure safe travel for everyone. We advise everyone to use mass transit whenever possible, particularly during gridlock alert days."

NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne Lategano-Nicholas said, "On behalf of New York City's tourism industry, which grew to a record 37 million visitors last year, we are pleased to play a roll in launching Park and Ride Wednesdays as part of our ongoing effort to make it easier to get around in New York City. This pilot program demonstrates how public and private cooperation and partnership will allow New York City to continue to grow tourism to everyone's benefit."

VEHICLE FINES

Blocking
the Box
$40.00 plus a $25.00 surcharge and two points on the driver's license.
Additional fines of up to $200.00 can be levied for subsequent offenses.
Double
Parking
$55.00 plus towing fees.
Towing
$150.00 plus the fine for the violation cited.
Booting
Fee
$75.00 plus the fine for the violation cited.


Additional information can be found at DOT'S website at www.nyc.gov/calldot by calling the DOT hotline at 212/718-CALLDOT (225-5368). DOT will also be working with the Shadow Traffic communications network, which serves 87 radio stations in the tri-state area, to share information on traffic conditions.

 

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