Broadway crackdown results in 117 tickets

People disregarding traffic rules on Broadway faced a heavier police presence than usual for one week this month, part of the 50th Precinct’s efforts to implement Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic-related accidents and fatalities. 

The 50th Precinct reported doling out 117 moving violations from Sept. 8 to 14, focusing on Broadway between West 231st and West 242nd streets. Offenses included speeding, running red lights, driving in a bus lane, failure to yield and improper turns. The top violation was disobeying signage. The crackdown also included 37 parking tickets. 

The 50th Precinct kicked off the month with a week dedicated to educating pedestrians and drivers about traffic safety. The subsequent crackdown on Broadway was part of a citywide effort involving multiple precincts. Police officers also issued tickets for talking or texting on the phone while driving and reckless driving. There were two traffic-related arrests. 

At the 50th Precinct’s latest community council meeting, the commanding officer reported 8,000 parking summons and 4,300 moving violations this year.

“I know it sounds like a lot, but some of these summons are well-deserved,” Deputy Inspector Paul Rasa said on Sept. 11. “It does save lives and it does prevent accidents.”