Release #523-98

Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
Marilyn Mode (NYPD) (212) 374-6700
Maria Smith (DOT) (212) 422-7033

"As the holiday season quickly approaches, all New Yorkers are anticipating the family celebrations and events that are part of this joyous time of the year," Mayor Giuliani said. "But along with the season comes a record number of pedestrians and motorists who will be pouring into the City to shop, take in a show, see the tree and share in New York's magical celebrations.

"To deal with this, the City has put together a plan to deal with easing traffic and pedestrian congestion that will depend largely on the cooperation of New Yorkers, motorists and visitors," the Mayor continued. "For those who do not cooperate, and for those who refuse to respect the rights of others, the Police Department and Department of Transportation will be strictly enforcing traffic and parking regulations as well as implementing new strategies to help make this a safe and civil holiday season."

The traffic plan will focus on the following areas:

BLOCKING THE BOX

Zero tolerance enforcement will be in effect against vehicles that block gridlock boxes on the principal commercial avenues of the City, with a special emphasis on those in Mid-Town Manhattan. All vehicles that illegally prevent the continuous flow of traffic, including buses, taxis and limousines, will be ticketed. Blocking the box incurs a fine of up to $200 plus two points against a driver's license.

The City has established a new toll-free hotline beginning November 16th for pedestrians and motorists to report vehicles seen blocking the box at 877-GRIDLOCK (877-474-3562).

DOUBLE PARKING

Zero tolerance enforcement will be in effect seven days a week against double parkers. All double-parked vehicles will be issued summonses and towed. The Police Department will increase its deployment of tow trucks and scooters for this purpose. In addition, vehicles illegally parked at the curb will be booted or towed. The fine for double parking is $55 plus the expense of towing fees.

BUSES

Vehicles illegally obstructing bus lanes will be issued summonses. Traffic agents will ride targeted bus lines to ensure bus lanes remain clear in all boroughs. Obstruction of bus lanes carries a fine of $55.

NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

Two new mid-block pedestrian crossing will be established at 5th Avenue between 32nd and 33rd Streets, and 7th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. These will improve pedestrian safety at locations where traffic congestion is high.

OTHER TRAFFIC CONTROL STRATEGIES

• Towing: The Police Department will deploy additional tow trucks at select areas including the FDR Drive and the West Side Highway to immediately move stalled cars out of traffic lanes.

• Booting: Vehicles illegally parked at the curb will be booted and in some cases towed. To have the boot removed, the vehicle owner will be required to go to the tow pound and pay a $75 fee. In some cases, vehicles that remain illegally parked may be towed, and the vehicle's owner required to pay a $75 fee for boot removal plus a $150 towing fee.

• Variable Message Signs: Electronic Variable Message Signs will be installed at key locations throughout the City informing motorists of traffic congestion and alternate routes.

• Traffic Agents: More than three hundred Police Academy recruits, traffic agents and police and highway tow truck operators will be deployed to direct traffic at critical intersections.

• Central Park: Central Park Drive will be open for extended hours to further facilitate traffic flow north of Central Park South.

• Street and Sidewalk Construction Embargo: With the exception of emergencies, the Department of Transportation has imposed a street and sidewalk construction embargo in numerous locations throughout the City, including Mid-Town Manhattan.

• Other Agencies: Other agencies/groups that will be involved in the enforcement of traffic laws will be the Taxi & Limousine Commission which will provide personnel to enforce violations committed by taxis and limousines; Metro-North Railroad Police which will assist in enforcement around Grand Central Station; the Port Authority Police, which will assist in enforcement around the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, and the George Washington Bridge; and the Long Island Railroad Police, which will assist in enforcement around Penn Station/Madison Square Garden.

Transportation Commissioner Wilbur Chapman said, "Both DOT and the NYPD are committed to improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers and visitors, by making our streets safer, and maintaining the smooth flow of traffic. DOT's recent pothole initiative - where over 18,500 of the targeted 25,000 potholes have been repaired ahead of schedule - has left City streets in the best shape in years for driving. However, we encourage all visitors and City residents to take advantage of "One City - One Fare" and utilize our great mass transit system."

Vehicle fines are as follows:

• Blocking the Box - up to $200.00 plus two points against the individual's drivers license
• 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