NYC Council Proposes Cameras on Street Sweepers to Enforce Parking Rules

New York, NY – The City Council is urging state lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow the installation of cameras on street sweepers to catch drivers who violate alternate-side parking rules. The proposal was announced on May 28, aiming to improve compliance during scheduled street sweeping hours.

Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler, who chairs the Council Committee on Governmental Affairs and State and Federal Legislation, expressed support for the bill. “This is a common-sense bill that will make our streets demonstrably cleaner,” Restler said. He noted it would specifically target repeat offenders to promote greater compliance, leading to cleaner neighborhoods and reduced rat populations.

The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Brian Cunningham and state Sen. Robert Jackson, would allow the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to install cameras on their sweeping trucks. This system would automatically issue fines to vehicles parked during street sweeping times, similar to how MTA buses ticket cars in bus lanes.

Currently, each street sweeper can collect nearly a ton of debris per shift, but city officials stress that parked vehicles hinder this vital cleaning process. Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan criticized those who neglect parking rules. “Too many selfish people view the chance of a $65 ticket as just the cost of parking in the city,” Lojan stated. “This state legislation will give DSNY the tools we need to enforce the rules around cleanliness effectively.”

However, some New Yorkers are skeptical of the proposal. Jimmy, a Queens resident, remarked that the legislation might be a “money grab” by the city, fearing it was an attack on drivers. Similarly, Anna from Staten Island expressed concern about increased surveillance in the area.

A press release from Restler’s office highlighted that in 2023, 7% of cars were responsible for 30% of all alternate-side parking violations. The City Council hopes to have the bill passed by both houses of the state legislature before their session ends on June 12, although it still awaits committee review.