Bill Passed Authorizes Traffic Agents To Enforce “Block the Box” Violators

ALBANY, NY [NY1] — City and state officials are looking to up the ante on drivers who sit the middle of an intersection.

It’s already illegal to “block the box” –- but currently, only police officers are allowed to hand out tickets. However, today the State Senate and Assembly passed legislation that increases enforcement by giving traffic enforcement agents the right to ticket drivers, as well. They also want to double fines.

Advocates say this is not a money-making scheme, but rather a way to cut down on gridlock and improve the quality of life.

“Blocking the box causes gridlock. It stops traffic,” said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. “We can’t have that in Manhattan. It’s bad for business and it’s bad for the folks who live around these intersections because it causes terrible air pollution and noise.”

“How can we expect people to obey the law when there is no capability to enforce the law?” asked Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

“This is an easy, common-sense way,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “It doesn’t cost a dime for us to move forward and bring some congestion relief to the streets of New York.”

Governor David Paterson is expected to sign the bill into law.