Received these response to the call for 311 documentation photos:
I was trying to post on your blog but had some difficulties- it is about that photo problem 311 post!
here is what I wanted to add:
What about illegal trucks cutting through the nabe, especially on Washington and Vanderbilt? Their economic gain is a blight and pollution to our area. There are designated truck roads, and any truck that is not local delivery, is a violation. It easy to document! Let’s take some photos of 18 wheelers on Washington during morning rush hours. Recently I started to do it, but I would love some help. Another idea would be to convince DOT to install proper no truck signs — maybe we could get some signatures of local residents and send it to them? Anyway I wanted to work on this issue for awhile now, but I am kind of too busy, maybe someone is willing to help?
thanks.
And another:
This is a complaint about the idling ambulances below my window – the corner of Clinton Avenue and Myrtle Avenue, in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
Today, Sept. 9th, it was Truck #3502 from Brooklyn Hospital, idling from 9am – 2pm, parked on the sidewalk. I asked the driver to move off the sidewalk and he got confrontational with me telling me “this was his spot”. I’m sure the sidewalk is not “his spot”. I had to knock on the passenger window to wake up his partner so she could get him to move to the street, which they did.
On a daily basis, they park on Clinton Avenue, next to the fire hydrant, sleeping with the diesel fumes coming right into our apartments in the complex above. I have attached a pic because he made me so angry – talking on the phone, leaning into a friends car and telling me to leave him alone and call 311 if I didn’t like it. I had called 311 but the Department of Health was not open on Sunday and they told me to call back on Monday. Very Frustrating.
According to the
Dept. of Health Website:
“While ambulances are considered emergency vehicles under the Vehicle and Traffic Law, allowing these vehicles to idle for excessive periods of time in non-emergency operation is not permitted.”
“Unless in emergency operation, ambulances and first response vehicles ARE NOT exempt from the provisions of these environment conservation laws. The penalties for violation of these laws may include fines ranging from $250 to $15,000.”
I never noticed this, but today when I walked past with my dog, sure enough, there was an ambulance (FDNY this time) idling right there. Why do they need to keep the vehicle running?
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20 Comments
That is the spot. Sometimes they idle in the street next to the hydrant, but I guess the silver mini van beat them to the spot. Just turn off the engine, you can stay all you like. Even on the sidewalk.
What’s the point of blocking the sidewalk? Can they get to an emergency faster by running over pedestrians on the way?
It’s “his spot” to do what, precisely?
Can we get some “no honking” signs too while we’re at it. Or some “turn your god damned music down” signs?
Can we get some “no honking” signs too while we’re at it. Or some “turn your god damned music down” signs?
Is the license plate purposely blurred in the photo? Why not just note it and call in?
actually, i’ve experienced the same situation with ambulances idling on my block..willoughby between emerson and hall..right in front of pratt..usually occurs at night and the early morning…it’s very very annoying.
OMG, is it true that those obnoxious 18-wheelers are not supposed to be using Washington Ave? We moved our bed to the back of the house because of those jackasses. If it’s true, for god’s sake let’s please get some “no trucks” signs, some enforcement–yes!
I love how I see this crap every day, but the ONE time I ride my bike 10 feet onto the sidewalk at 3am to lock it up I get a ticket immediately!
The Fort Greene Assn was actively involved in a similar project for FG & CH areas particularly on Washington Ave. Better check with them before duplicating work.
Vanderbilt is the commercial route, not Washington or Clinton. any commercial vehicles on Clinton or Washington or any other CH N-S street besides Vanderbilt can and should be ticketed. the cops never do it though, witness all the trucks that site and idol on Wash near Myrtle while they eat Kum Kao. all trucks there can be ticketed.
Thanks for the posting! That’s my complaint and pic of the ambulance. it’s not meant to be blurry, just my crappy cel phone. i was angry and needed a pic quick. but the plate doesn’t matter, it’s the truck # that does. If you see this anytime, call 311. I’ve spoken to MANY people in the last few weeks and learned a lot.
1. Yes, they are allowed to sit in a spot while waiting to be called out to service, it’s a new program they started to keep the ambulances throughout the area.
2. No they aren’t supposed to sit idling. after 20 minutes in a non-emergency situation they are supposed to TURN IT OFF! but they don’t. so call it in!
3. After speaking to the DEC – they said anytime you see them idling too long – ESPECIALLY on the sidewalk – write down their truck number and call it in.
The information has been forwarded to the Community board and local dispatchers! Hopefully some change will happen. It’s not that I don’t want an ambulance to be there when I need it, but idling makes me crazy – as you can tell!
And i love this answer from the NY State “Thank you for your e-mail correspondence. While we are concerned about the
unnecessary idling of EMS vehicles, unfortunately, the Department of Health
is not able to enforce the regulations pertaining to the idling of diesel
engines. These regulations are enforced within the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC).”
FWIW, I’ve seen trucks on Washington pulled over and ticketed twice in the last 3 years. Emptying the ocean with a measuring cup.
The 18-wheelers on Washinton are annoying. I love it when they rumble up the street and the vibrations from their acceleration sets off car alarms. I had no idea that they weren’t allowed on Washington or Clinton.
They definitely need better signage. The question is whether anyone will ever be there to enforce the law.
Limestonekid: people will be there to enforce the law if people who live there call to complain, and demand that people show up to enforce the law.
I used to live on Washington and had no idea that trucks weren’t supposed to use it, either! God, they were something else — so loud, lots of vibration, and yes, I do remember the car alarms being set off. I feel you.
Saw a truck ticketted ast week on Washngton. Cops will do it.
I’ve been awoken early Sunday mornings a few times, by that Brooklyn Hospital ambulance idling in front of Underwood Park, which we live across from. If nothing else, it needs a tune-up. The drivers seem to have several “regular” spots – aside from the park, I’ve seen them in front of the Masonic lodge up the block.
We are experiencing the same problem in Chelsea…have been awoken just about every night for the past 2 weeks by a very loud FDNY ambulance that idles for 60 minutes or more at a time on our otherwise quiet residential street. This happens anytime between 3 and 6 am–my disrupted sleep is starting to make me very grouchy!
We’ve called in some 311 complaints, but of course by the time anyone investigates, the ambulance is long gone. Can anyone suggest where to take up this issue to get any results?
Thanks!
I have the same problem in California…
idling ambulance from America Medical Response makes me crazy!!!!!!
I tried to call police, told to the driver… did not work.
Can anyone suggest where to take up this issue to get any results?
Thanks
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