Currently, the city has automated camera enforcement for bus lane blocking, running red lights, and speeding. Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr
A state lawmaker wants to crack down on double parking in New York City. Assembly Member Steven Raga, who represents parts of Queens, has proposed installing 150 cameras citywide that would automatically ticket drivers who double park or park illegally as part of a $35 million pilot program. As first reported by Gothamist, the cameras, which would be similar to those that catch drivers running red lights, speeding, and parking in bus lanes, would be placed in high-traffic areas where drivers frequently park in bike lanes, commercial loading zones, and no standing areas.
Raga argues that the current method of manually inspecting illegally parked vehicles, including relying on 311 calls, is ineffective. Last year, the Department of Investigation found that a majority of NYPD responses to 311 complaints for illegal parking and parking permit misuse do not result in summonses.
“By the time the police come over, whether it’s a double-parked car or parked right on the intersection blocking someone in a wheelchair or parents with strollers, they’re gone,” Raga told CBS.
Additionally, in 2024, the watchdog Department of Investigation found that the NYPD routinely ignored 311 complaints about abuse of city-issued parking permits, according to Gothamist.
Raga also pointed out that blocked bike lanes and double-parked cars not only increase traffic congestion but also pose dangers to both pedestrians and vehicles.
“Double parking and curb violations aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a public safety hazard,” Raga said in a post on X. “Our legislation ensures enforcement of existing laws to protect drivers and pedestrians from blocked crosswalks, bike lanes, and fire hydrants. Smarter and safer streets for all!”
Raga said that he would work with the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT)—which voiced support for the proposal—to identify target areas throughout the five boroughs.
“Automated enforcement has proven to change driver behavior and make our streets safer for everyone,” DOT told CBS. “While we are reviewing this legislation, NYC DOT supports expanding the use of automated enforcement to uphold the city’s parking regulations.”
Traffic cameras have been shown to reduce violations and accidents throughout the city. A report from the DOT last year revealed that areas with speed cameras installed in 2022 experienced a 14 percent decrease in injuries and fatalities compared to locations without them.
These cameras have also proven to influence drivers’ behavior, with 74 percent of vehicles that receive violations getting no more than one or two per year.
The program could be similar to the city’s bus lane cameras. Last year, the MTA expanded automated camera enforcement (ACE) in all five boroughs to slap drivers who block bus stops or double park in bus lanes with fines ranging from $50 to $250.
Raga asked that the cost of the cameras be included in the next state budget negotiated by legislative leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul, as reported by Gothamist. If approved, the program would take roughly a year to begin.
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