"The next bill before me is Introductory Number 350-A, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Addabbo, Fidler, Seabrook, Stewart, White, Nelson and Sears.  This bill would authorize the functional transfer of employees of the Parking Control Unit of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

"Currently, New York City Traffic Rules and the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law are enforced through the NYPD's Parking Enforcement District and its patrol officers as well as the DOT's Parking Control Unit (PCU).  The PCU enforces on-street violations and off-street violations found in municipal parking facilities.  The NYPD issues summonses for traffic infractions and enforces on-street parking regulations.

"Introductory Number 350-A will transfer the remaining parking enforcement functions from DOT to the NYPD, resulting in a centralized parking enforcement entity overseen by the NYPD.  Centralizing parking enforcement under the NYPD will enhance the training, coordination and deployment of the parking enforcement personnel, thereby enhancing efforts to facilitate traffic flow and reduce congestion throughout the City. 

"I would like to thank Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Department of Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall, Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Jim Hanley and their respective staffs for working diligently to make for a smooth transition for the DOT employees to the NYPD.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this bill."