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Tell Albany to Pass Two Important Gridlock-Busting Bills

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) strongly urges the Legislature to pass S6811, introduced by Senator Lanza, and A10071, introduced by Assembly Member Kavanagh; and S7229, introduced by Senator Golden, and A10233, introduced by Assembly Member Bing. This package of bills addresses two traffic-related issues responsible for slowing traffic, resulting in noise and air pollution. S6811 and A10071 would make obstructing traffic at intersections a parking violation in cities with populations of more than one million, allowing violations to be more easily enforced. S7229 and A10233 would install bus lane photo devices in order to enforce restrictions on lane use.

S6811 and A10071
Blocking the box is a common term used to describe a situation where a driver enters an intersection without time to clear it before a traffic light changes. Blocked intersections result in traffic jams, causing vehicles to idle longer, where they emit 20 times more pollution than vehicles moving at 30 miles per hour. Currently, blocking the box is a moving violation, which in New York City can only be enforced by police officers and a small number of enforcement agents. S6811 and A10071 would classify blocking an intersection as a parking violation, allowing all 2,800 New York City traffic enforcement agents to issue tickets, thereby significantly increasing enforcement levels.

S7229 and A10233
In the past 30 years, New York City bus ridership has increased by 53 percent. This has caused an increase in traffic congestion, due in part to vehicles other than buses utilizing bus-only lanes. In addition to slowing traffic, congested bus lanes cause vehicles to idle, releasing pollution into the air. S7229 and A10233 create a demonstration program to improve New York City bus mobility by installing cameras to photograph vehicles using bus lanes. This will improve enforcement of bus lane use and create a more efficient bus service for residents and visitors.

Improving the enforcement of laws meant to keep traffic flowing has multiple benefits for residents and the environment. Decreasing congestion will help ensure the safety of pedestrians and will allow drivers to reach their destinations more quickly. Improving traffic flow also decreases smog, global warming and acid rain that results from the release of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants emitted by idling and slow-moving vehicles. This legislation is restricted to five proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes in New York City and contains a sunset clause.

Your message will be sent to each of the following targets:

Assemblymember Bill Nojay
Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh
Assemblymember Dan Quart
Assemblymember Edward P. Ra
Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis
Assemblymember Phillip G. Steck
Senator Andrew J. Lanza
Senator Jose R. Peralta
Senator Kathleen A. Marchione
Senator Malcolm A. Smith
Senator Martin J. Golden
Senator Tom W. Libous
Your State Representative
Your State Senator

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