New York City cracks down on truck parking shortage

September 5, 20220

The New York Trucking Association and state leaders are working to address the issue of truck parking in the New York area.

The problem has grown exponentially since the authorities passed the law on fines and towing illegally parked trucks in residential areas.

In a five-day blitz in Queens, police issued 635 summonses, and towed 55 illegally parked vehicles. These actions received the disapproval of truck drivers.

“Hard enforcement alone hasn’t worked in the past and won’t work now in the absence of commercial vehicle parking,” said Kendra Hems, president of the New York Trucking Association. “We are forced to understand that we cannot offer an alternative option to these people. The reality is that there is simply nowhere for drivers to park,” Hems added.

Acknowledging the lack of free truck parking in the city, Mayor Eric Adams said officials have partnered with a number of city agencies to address the problem.

“The industry is taking steps, but we can’t do it alone,” Hems said. “We need our partners in government to devote time and resources to addressing this issue. Industry needs to be part of this process, and we’re committed to working with this administration to finally find meaningful, long-term solutions that benefit all New Yorkers, including drivers.”

Linda Lee, who represents the 23rd municipal district in East Queens, said that truck parking was a particular problem in Queens, home to JFK and LaGuardia airports, some of the busiest in the country.

According to authorities, trucks deliver 90% of the goods transported within the city and serve about 9 million New Yorkers.

In May, the city formed a truck parking task force that is considering increasing parking spaces across the state.

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