NYC Council Proposes Cameras on Street Sweepers to Enforce Parking Rules

NEW YORK, NY — The New York City Council is advocating for a bill that would allow cameras to be installed on street sweepers to catch drivers who ignore alternate-side parking rules. The council made the announcement on May 28 as they push for state lawmakers to pass this legislation during the current session.

The proposed bill aims to equip NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) sweeping trucks with cameras to monitor and penalize those who fail to move their vehicles during designated street cleaning hours. Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler, who chairs the Council Committee on Governmental Affairs, described the legislation as a “common-sense bill” that will contribute to cleaner streets and an improved quality of life for New Yorkers.

Assembly Member Brian Cunningham and state Senator Robert Jackson, who represent parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, are sponsoring the state bill. If passed, the city will be able to use cameras on street sweepers to automatically issue summonses to vehicles parked in violation of street sweeping regulations. This approach echoes how MTA buses ticket parked vehicles in bus lanes.

Each street sweeper collects nearly a ton of debris each shift, but officials say they cannot operate effectively when cars are obstructing the curb. Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan pointed out, “Too many selfish people view the chance of a $65 ticket as just the cost of parking in the city, ignoring the dignity of our neighborhoods. This state legislation will give DSNY the tools we need for effective enforcement.”

Despite the widespread support for cleaner streets, some residents are skeptical. A Queens resident named Jimmy criticized the proposals, saying it feels like another “money grab” by the city. Anna, from Staten Island, echoed concerns about increased surveillance, stating, “It’s more Big Brother in the city.” According to the council’s press release, 7% of vehicles account for 30% of all alternate-side parking violations this year.

The City Council hopes to see the bill passed before the end of the state legislature’s session on June 12. However, it has yet to progress out of the committees in either the state Senate or Assembly.