Ignore Alternate Side Parking? NYC Wants To Slap A Big Ugly Sticker On Your Car

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Drivers who ignore alternate side parking rules will soon find more than just a ticket waiting on their windshield.

The New York City Council voted Tuesday to approve legislation sponsored by Upper West Side Council Member Gale Brewer that allows the New York City Department of Sanitation to place large, highlighter-colored warning stickers on vehicles that fail to move during alternate side parking hours.

The sticker tactic was banned in 2012 after people said it was difficult to remove the adhesive from cars, but it's coming back as a new and improved program, Brewer said.

"Warning stickers were one of the City's most effective tools for improving compliance before they were banned in 2012," Brewer said. "Bringing them back with Intro. 92 is a practical, common-sense step that will help keep our streets cleaner for everyone."

According to the Department of Sanitation's estimations, more than 500,000 vehicles violate Alternate Side Parking rules each week, preventing sweepers from properly cleaning over 3,000 miles of city streets.

"Street cleaning only works when cars move," Brewer said.

Before the City Council banned the practice in 2012, sanitation officials credited the stickers with discouraging repeat violations, though some drivers complained they were difficult to remove without leaving residue.

"Selfish car owners who prioritize their convenience over clean neighborhoods will soon be peeling stickers off their cars, while also paying for a summons," DSNY Commissioner Gregory Anderson said. "We want people to simply comply with the law, so we can clean streets across New York City."

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.