The Manhattan Times

Contrary to column, not enough illegally parked cars are ticketed

To the Editor:

Mr. Miranda complains about getting a ticket for parking for three minutes in a no-parking zone (“Gotcha!,” November 25, 2009). Contrary to what he writes, Mr. Miranda is not the victim. The victims are those who ride in buses or in ambulances that are delayed because of the countless vehicles illegally parked.

Also, contrary to what Mr. Miranda writes, enforcement of traffic laws is minimal. I frequently see cars double-parked, parked at bus stops, or parked at fire hydrants without any ticket. I see cars running red lights all the time yet I have never seen anyone get a ticket. We need more, much more, enforcement of traffic laws. What the city collects in traffic fines is a small fraction of the cost that traffic violations impose on society. Yes, the system is unfair: it is too lenient on those who violate traffic laws.

Luiz Homem de Mello