Watch CBS News

Proposed Task Force Seeks To Eliminate Confusing Parking Signs

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Trying to navigate parking in Manhattan can be enough of a headache without having to deal with confusing signs with multiple instructions.

CBS 2's Mark Morgan was at City Hall where one New York Councilman proposed a plan to eliminate the mixed signals.

Councilman Dan Garodnick is introducing a bill that would require the city to re-assess parking signs every three years, and help drivers decipher what they are reading.

"In New York City today you need a Ph.D in signage to understand what's going on out there," said Garodnick.

Locust Valley resident Jeff Rubell expressed confusion with a sign on 43rd Street, where three parking signs are stacked one on top of the other.

"The top part might say one thing, the second section might say another and the third section says something else. So, you have to carefully read it and even after you carefully read it, it's still confusing," said Rubell.

John Capobianco of the Bronx was just as baffled by a sign on 42nd Sreet.

"One sign says 'no standing' then below it, it says no standing except trucks, then below, it says park at the meter. So you don't know which sign takes effect. That's why we're sitting here, because we don't know if we should go to the meter or if we can leave the car," Capobianco said.

According to John Corlett, director of Government Affairs for AAA New York, the city is expecting nearly $700 million in revenue from parking tickets and meters this fiscal year. The less-than-specific signage may play a role.

City Council member James Vacca says that change is imperative.

"This type of problem has existed on our city streets for many years. It's about time it be corrected," said Vacca.

Councilman Garodnick's bill would create an eight member task force to review the city's parking signs. Hopefully, limiting confusion and helping drivers avoid unnecessary tickets.

The bill was introduced Thursday and Garodnick says that he hopes to have a hearing on the bill before the Council's Transportation Committee as soon as possible.

Got a gripe, problem, or complaint? Let us know in our comments section and check out our links and numbers section to tell us more...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.