The recent decision by Governor Hochul to halt the congestion pricing initiative in New York City has sent ripples through the community, sparking a mix of reactions and leaving city planners and residents alike searching for alternative solutions to the persistent traffic troubles.
Mayor Adams has proposed what he sees as a solution: crack down on double parking.
Adams has been vocal about addressing the persistent issue of traffic congestion in New York City, and now that the relief that was touted by the supporters of congestion pricing is no longer on the horizon, his strategy is to tackle the problems caused by double parking. “One of the biggest problems with congestion is double parking,” Adams said during a City Hall press conference. “It’s a safety hazard.”
This past week the MTA started to issue tickets to vehicles parked in the bus lane. Adams also cited the city’s plan to build more bike lanes and to continue its focus on crime in the subways. “A lot of that traffic happened because of COVID and because people stopped feeling safe on the subway system,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi added that the city sought to take trucks off the road during peak hours partly by incentivizing cargo bikes, overnight deliveries and the use of barges.
The congestion pricing plan, which was poised to be a groundbreaking move to alleviate congestion in the busiest parts of Manhattan, had garnered both support for its potential to improve air quality and reduce traffic, and criticism for the financial burden it could impose on commuters. With the indefinite pause in action, the city faces the challenge of finding new ways to manage the traffic that strangles the streets of the metropolis and brings grave repercussions to its residents and businesses.
Anyone who has driven in New York City has experienced the frustration caused by double parked vehicles that turn the roads into obstacle courses that not only hinder mobility but also pose safety risks, as it forces vehicles, bicycles, and sometimes even pedestrians, into the center of the roadway, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Despite being illegal, double parking persists and Adams’ announced crackdown certainly is not new. The city’s efforts to combat this issue, including the expansion of loading zones and the pilot program for local delivery hubs, have already been in existence but have yielded little result. It remains to be seen if a crackdown proves to be more effective.
Even if the crackdown on double parking improves traffic woes of the City, what it cannot do is provide the additional revenue that was projected from congestion pricing. It was expected to bring in $400 million in the current calendar year and then $1 billion annually. These funds were earmarked to finance $15 billion for capital projects, which had been a part of the budget plans since 2019.
