As promised, Mayor Bloomberg yesterday vetoed a bill that would give motorists a five-minute grace period at most parking spots, including muni-meters.
“While characterized as a ‘grace period’ to benefit drivers who are rushing to their vehicles, this universal extension of time for drivers would have the practical effect of impeding traffic flow and disrupting street cleaning operations,” the mayor warned in his veto message.
“It would thus have a negative impact on the quality of life for all city residents. Additionally, the bill could generate confusion for drivers and prove difficult to enforce.”
Sponsors of the measure shot back that Bloomberg was overreacting.
“I’m a big supporter of the mayor’s, but I respectfully disagree,” said City Councilman Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn). “It [the five-minute grace period] was in effect for many years without anyone having any difficulty.”
The council passed the bill by an overwhelming 47-2 margin, meaning there’s more than enough votes in the 51-member body to override the veto.
A two-thirds majority would be required. Council Speaker Christine Quinn scheduled the override vote for Dec. 21.
Legislators said the extra five minutes was intended to give relief to motorists getting snared by the tens of thousands for alternate-side violations, sometimes a mere minute after the parking rule takes effect.
“People are getting tired of the gotcha,” said Felder.
An administration official argued that parking agents would still be writing the same tickets, only a few minutes later.