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Pilot Program To Reduce Traffic Congestion Begins In Brooklyn, Queens

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A pilot program began Monday in Brooklyn and Queens aimed at reducing traffic congestion.

The new "Clear Curbs" program bans curbside parking and loading during peak hours between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

It's aimed at freeing-up traffic lanes during rush hour, targeting delivery trucks that idle and double park, which city leaders say adds to congestion.

Rick Inprescia was on his way to work and just parked his car only to find out the hard way about the new program.

"At least five years I parked right over there, Flatbush extension. I come out and the car is gone," he told CBS2's Janelle Burrell. "My beef is that they towed my car with no warning."

On Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn where Inprescia's car was towed, the curbside parking ban applies to both sides of the street from Tillary Street to Grand Army Plaza.

In Queens, the city says the ban runs from Broadway to 90th Street.

Virginia Ross is in favor of the program

"It's a good idea because it's less traffic," she said.

But Jorge Cruz, who almost ended up like other drivers who were slapped with tickets, is skeptical.

"This is not gonna make a difference," he said.

The ban will also expand to parts of Midtown Manhattan next month.

As part of the initiative, the city will be collecting data on congestion, double parking and delivery activity to ultimately determine whether to make the program permanent.

Drivers will still be allowed to pick-up and drop-off passengers as long as it's done quickly. Deliveries to off-street loading docks will still be allowed.

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