NYC Council Pushes for Street Sweeper Cameras to Enforce Parking Rules

NEW YORK CITY – The New York City Council is advocating for a new bill that would allow the installation of cameras on street sweepers to catch drivers who ignore alternate-side parking regulations. On May 28, the council announced their support for state lawmakers to pass the legislation this session.

The proposed program would permit the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to equip street sweeping trucks with cameras, enabling them to automatically issue tickets to vehicles parked during scheduled sweeping hours. Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler, chair of the Council Committee on Governmental Affairs, believes this measure will significantly enhance street cleanliness.

Restler stated, “This is a common-sense bill that will make our streets demonstrably cleaner. We’re talking about cracking down on the worst offenders to ultimately facilitate greater compliance, which means fewer rats and better quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

The bill is sponsored by Assembly Member Brian Cunningham and state Senator Robert Jackson, representing parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. It is expected to mirror existing practices that allow MTA buses to ticket cars parked in bus lanes using camera technology.

Street sweepers are designed to collect substantial debris, with each vehicle picking up nearly a ton per shift. However, city officials emphasize that parked cars hinder their effectiveness. Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan criticized those who view parking tickets as a minor inconvenience, saying, “Too many selfish people view the chance of a $65 ticket as just the cost of parking in the city, without regard for the fact that it also costs us something far more valuable, the dignity of our neighborhoods.”

Despite the council’s efforts, some New Yorkers view the bill with skepticism. Local resident Jimmy from Queens expressed concern, stating, “It’s one more money grab by the city, and it’s a war on drivers.” Another resident, Anna from Staten Island, worries about increasing surveillance, commenting, “It’s more surveillance.”

According to Restler’s office, 7% of cars are responsible for 30% of all alternate-side parking violations in 2023. The council aims to passage of the bill by June 12, when the current session concludes. However, it has yet to advance beyond committee votes in both the state assembly and senate.