On January 3, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced new rules that restrict vending on city-owned bridges. Under the new rules, vendors will not be allowed to sell on pedestrian walkways, bike lanes on bridges and bridge approaches. The rule was made in part to address the excessive crowding on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Department Of Transportation
DOT Begins Enforcement for Overweight Trucks on BQE
On November 9, 2023, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that the City will start to issue violations for its weigh-in-motion enforcement program that targets overweight trucks on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE). In August, a 90-day warning period about the violations was launched. The program’s goal is largely to limit the wear and tear on the Expressway’s cantilever.
DOT Expands E-Scooter Sharing Program to Eastern Queens
On October 13, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the city’s e-scooter sharing program would expand to eastern Queens in 2024. The expansion follows the growth of the e-scooter program in the East Bronx, where over 2.9 million trips have been taken since the pilot program launched in August 2021.
DOT Announces Return and Expansion of “Trick or Streets” for Halloween 2023
Image Credit: DOTOn October 11, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the return of “Trick or Streets,” the Halloween-season expansion of the Open Streets program. Last year, “Trick or Streets” restricted car access on nearly 100 streets on Halloween night to provide more open space for pedestrian access when many families would be out for trick or treating.
DOT Announces Declines in Speeding, Injuries and Fatalities in Areas with Speed Cameras During First Year of 24/7 Enforcement
On August 28, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the results following the end of the first year of 24/7 enforcement of speed cameras. Previously, speed cameras were only allowed to operate weekdays from 6 AM to 10 PM. Around-the-clock enforcement started August 1, 2022 after Governor Kathy Hochul signed the change into state law. The legislation was sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick.
DOT and DCC announce Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Jamaica
On August 10, 2023, the New York City Department of Transportation and Department of Design and Construction announced the completion of their pedestrian safety improvements in Jamaica, Queens. The goal of the pedestrian safety improvements is to create a more inviting space for residents to enjoy Downtown Jamaica and reduce the amount of car crashes resulting in serious pedestrian injury in the area.