Brooklyn drivers who ignore alternate side-parking rules may soon face automated fines, as the City Council pushes for a state-approved pilot program to mount cameras on sanitation street sweepers.
The initiative, with sponsors including Brooklyn Council Members Mercedes Narcisse and Justin Brannan, aims to target persistent parking violators who prevent Department of Sanitation trucks from effectively cleaning streets.
“While street cleaning vehicles effectively remove debris and litter from roadways, drivers who refuse to move their cars for alternate side parking hours can prevent sweepers from cleaning portions of their route,” the council resolution reads. It also warns that uncollected litter can clog storm drains — an issue that has worsened flooding in Brooklyn during past tropical storms.
Lincoln Restler, chair of the Council’s Governmental Affairs Committee and member of District 33, called the legislation “common sense.”
“We’re talking about cracking down on the worst offenders to ultimately facilitate greater compliance, which means fewer rats and better quality of life for New Yorkers,” he said.
The proposed enforcement system would operate similarly to the MTA’s Automated Camera Enforcement program, which equips buses with cameras to fine drivers blocking bus lanes.
Reaction among Brooklyn residents was mixed.
“I don’t think adding cameras to street sweepers is a huge leap, but I’m worried if whether those new funds will actually go toward productive city infrastructure solutions that improve other issues like parking, traffic, sanitation or public transit,” said Lisa, a Sunset Park resident who asked to be identified by first name only.
She added, “Hopefully, the money used by the city to pay cops walking around writing parking tickets all day can be used for something more impactful.”
Others voiced stronger objections.
“It feels like they’re turning the sweepers into ticket machines,” said Nick, a Gravesend resident. “Who’s going to want to leave their car parked, knowing a sweeper could roll by and automatically give you a ticket?”
According to data from Restler’s office, just 7% of vehicles were responsible for 30% of all alternate-side parking violations in 2023, which can signal that repeat offenders pose a major obstacle to cleaner streets.
The Council passed a home rule message last month to formally urge Albany lawmakers to advance the bill, but as of mid-June, the legislation remains in committee in both the state assembly and senate.
