Submitted by Nix Permit Abuse First, then let's talk., Dec 26, 2007 10:54

An obvious prerequisite to Congestion Taxing is the Elimination of Parking Permit Abuse by the government sector! It's common knowledge that the City has given millions of de facto exemptions to parking violations committed by 150,000 government sector commuters with parking permits. This has cost the City about $300-million in lost parking meter revenue in the last 6-7 years [Bruce Schaller 2006]. Although PlaNYC says that goverment sector commuters will not be exempt, this statement has no credibility whatsoever because of the City's dismal record regarding illegal permit parking. You do realize that 150,000 government sector employees will be getting "free" entry into Manhattan AND "free" (illegal )parking, don't you? This double whammy on the CITY will cost dearly in terms of INCREASED traffic congestion and no place for local citizens and businesses to park. I have confronted PlaNYC people in person, and also D.O.T. representatives, with the question of exemptions for government sector commuters from Congestion Taxing - they basically have no answer. 150,000 government sector commuters, joyriding everyday for "free", parking for "free", and increased traffic congestion - that's what congestion taxing means for NYC.

Lastly, I can't believe this reporter is using Bush's judgement as a reference, is she kidding? 'Nuff said about that.

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