Res 0068-2014

By Council Members Weprin, Constantinides, Levine, Mendez, Rosenthal, Reynoso, Menchaca, Levin, Arroyo, Van Bramer, Vallone and Dromm Whereas, Section 1225-a of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibits any individual from driving "a motor vehicle on or across a sidewalk" with minor exceptions, such as to gain access to adjacent buildings or driveways; and Whereas, A violation of �1225-a is a traffic infraction, resulting in an escalating range of penalties, including a fine of up to $150 for a first offense; and Whereas, Driving on the sidewalk presents a grave risk to pedestrians; and Whereas, During a 30-day period in February and March 2013, there were five instances of a motorist hitting a pedestrian on a sidewalk, resulting in three deaths and two serious injuries; and Whereas, On September 12, 2013, five children were injured in Maspeth, Queens when an SUV hit them while they were walking on the sidewalk; and Whereas, In light of the inexcusable and serious nature of driving on the sidewalk and the dangerous conditions it creates, the fine for violation of �1225-a of the Vehicle and Traffic Law should be increased to up to $250 for a first offense and the infraction should also result in three points being added to the driver's license; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation increasing the penalty for driving on the sidewalk. JM/lf Res2093/2013 3/10/14