December 12, 2024

It is Anticipated That Making Video Evidence of Idling Available When the Summons is Issued Will Speed Settlements

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that submitted video evidence related to citizen idling summonses can now be accessed through the DEP website. By inputting a summons number, the vehicle owner or company operating the truck that has been accused of violating the City’s idling law, can quickly download submitted video evidence which will speed the processing of the summons.

“By making the submitted video evidence of idling infractions available online, we are improving transparency and anticipate quicker resolution of idling summonses as we work toward our common goal of cleaner air,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “This is a terrific example of customer service and efficiency as we anticipate facilitating access to the video evidence will lead defendants to settle their claims and it will simultaneously save countless staff hours in the processing of the video evidence.”

Since the introduction of the Citizens Complaint Program, the number of summonses has grown exponentially from approximately 10,000 in 2021 to over 100,000 in 2024. To help process the large number of summonses, DEP has implemented several programs including a robust database to facilitate review, tracking, and issuance of summonses, and the use of artificial intelligence to expedite evidence review.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.