Queens police officials last week issued a reminder to parents who double park on local streets when picking up youngsters at the end of the school day.
“Move on, do not block streets and avenues to oncoming traffic—and do not idle your vehicle for more than a minute,” the officials said.
Motorists are subject to a fine for double parking, even when they are waiting for the closing school bell, police officials said. “And if you idle your motor for more than a minute outside city schools, you can face a $100 fine under current city law.”
The No-Idle law was designed to crack down on parents who block streets outside school buildings while dropping off or picking up youngsters. The law is aimed at limiting exhaust fumes that increase the risk of asthma and related breathing disorders, officials said.
The law applies to trucks and automobiles that idle “adjacent to any public or private school providing instruction from pre-K through the 12th grade”, and may be enforced by the NYPD, the Parks Department, Sanitation Department and the city Department of Environmental Protection.
—Liz Goff