Printer Friendly Format
View Press Conference
56k  or  300k



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2003
PR- 096-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION
TO INCREASE TAXI SAFETY

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Law

“The next bill before me is Introductory Number 178-A, sponsored by Council Members Reyna, Comrie, Dilan, Foster, Martinez, Monserrate, Rivera, Sanders, Seabrook, Vann and Lopez.  This bill will require every for-hire vehicle or taxicab placed into operation to carry at least two replacement ‘lollipop’ style trouble light bulbs of a type approved by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC).  The bill will allow the operator of such a vehicle the opportunity to avoid the issuance of a summons or notice of violation for a defective trouble light by replacing the defective bulb or by taking other corrective action in the presence of an authorized enforcement agent who has indicated to the operator that a trouble light is not working.

“The trouble light system and its enforcement by the NYPD and the TLC exist to protect drivers.  Currently, a summons carries a penalty of a fine and suspension of the vehicle license until the defective trouble light condition is corrected.  Intro. 178-A will increase the fine for inoperable trouble lights and at the same time will give drivers the opportunity to have their summonses dismissed if the defective condition is corrected within a twenty-four hour period.  This bill will successfully raise fines for licensees who refuse to make prompt repairs, while providing a financial incentive to repair the defective condition quickly, thereby promoting safety and restoring the defective troubled light to proper working condition.”


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz  
(212) 788-2958