Res. No. 1811

Resolution calling on the New York City Police Department to expand enforcement efforts for private sanitation vehicles that drive, park, or idle on New York City sidewalks while loading garbage.

By Council Members James, Gerson and Koppell

                     Whereas, Approximately 25% percent of New York City’s waste is collected directly by the New York City Department of Sanitation, while the remainder is collected by private sanitation companies; and

Whereas, Public use of sidewalks is frequently impeded by private sanitation vehicles that drive, park, or idle on sidewalks while loading garbage; and

Whereas, Vehicle use of public sidewalks causes a significant threat to public safety; and

Whereas, Vehicle use of public sidewalks causes increased noise disturbance to nearby residents due to the closer proximity of garbage loading activities; and

                     Whereas, Section 4-07 of Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York prohibits any person from driving within a sidewalk area except within a permanent or temporary driveway; and

                     Whereas, Section 4-08 of Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York prohibits any person from stopping, standing, or parking on a sidewalk; and

Whereas, Greater enforcement of these traffic rules is needed in order to ensure that all sanitation vehicles park legally while loading garbage; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, that the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Police Department to expand enforcement efforts for private sanitation vehicles that drive, park, or idle on New York City sidewalks while loading garbage.

LS 6086

STW

2/6/09