BROOKLYN – Today, Councilmembers Chaim Deutsch, Justin Brannan, and Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. introduced a bill that would require the City to paint curbs next to fire hydrants and bus stops red for the exact distance that parking is illegal. The colored paint would be used to alert motorists as to where they can and cannot park.
Tickets are frequently issued to motorists unaware of the exact distance they must clear from a fire hydrant, or of exactly how far a bus stop extends. Deutsch’s bill, co-introduced with Councilman Brannan and Borough President Diaz, Jr., aims to remove the guesswork when a driver goes to park close to the space reserved for a hydrant or bus stop.
“I’m glad to partner with Councilmember Brannan and Borough President Diaz, Jr. to introduce this bill. Painting curbs around hydrants and bus stops will ensure that motorists have a clear picture of where they can and can’t park. This will both ensure fewer summonses are issued to cars parked illegally unintentionally, and open up parking spots where people may be overestimating the amount of space needed. I will continue to pursue efforts to increase parking in our city, including speaking with the FDNY to determine the feasibility of shortening restrictions around fire hydrants,” said Councilmember Chaim Deutsch.
“This is a commonsense measure all about getting everyone on the same page,” Councilman Brannan said. “If the City is going to make people pay for parking illegally, it owes them absolute certainty of where they can and can’t park. We all know that street signs can be hidden or unclear, making life harder for drivers and enforcement alike. I’ll always fight to make our city fairer, and this is one way we can do it.”
“This bill would provide clarity to people who park on its streets, both to prevent illegal parking by drivers and to make it easier for enforcement to ticket those drivers parked illegally. Street signs can be confusing, and far too often our business communities will note that a parking ticket might prevent a shopper from ever returning to that community, choosing instead to spend their money somewhere with more ample parking. This bill will make street use clear for everyone, and I am proud to partner with Council Members Brannan and Deutsch on this important legislation,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Having been introduced, the bill must pass through committee hearings and a final Council vote.