The NYPD will be handing out a lot more tickets at key intersections throughout New York City, including several on the Lower East Side.
In announcing the initiative yesterday, city officials said they’re determined to go after “block-the-box” violators who roll into crosswalks. It’s part of a plan to reduce traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety. The Department of Transportation has installed new markings/signage at the intersections to make drivers aware of the restrictions. The chosen intersections are located along major routes leading to river crossings, highway on-ramps, and commercial centers. The NYPD is hiring 50 officers to go after block-the-box violators.
Here are the Lower East Side/Chinatown intersections included in the new enforcement program:
- Delancey Street & Bowery
- Delancey Street & Allen Street
- Canal Street & Centre Street
- Delancey Street & Essex Street
In a press release from the mayor’s office, local Assembly member Yuh-Line Niou said:
Safety is paramount, and in my district, particularly in the Lower East Side and Chinatown, we have heard public outcries about more than one dangerous intersection. Too often, children and seniors find themselves maneuvering around hazardous situations in our intersections just to get across the street unharmed. Unfortunately, Clinton and Grand Street, a problematic intersection in my district that constituents have been outspoken about, did not make the list of the 50 intersections, but I will continue to push for increased safety enforcement at this particular location. I hope that this initiative will help to increase traffic flow, another major issue in my district. Moving forward, I urge City officials and NYPD to work as much with our community boards as possible on this initiative. I look forward to working with the Mayor, Commissioner Trottenberg and Chief Chan to ensure that our intersections are safe for everyone.
Block-the-box violators could face fines starting at $115.
