Of all the traffic violations that you could be issued here in New York City -- speeding, red-light summonses, failure to yield, etc. -- none are perhaps as frustrating as parking tickets. When you see that colored envelope tucked beneath the windshield wiper of your car, your first reaction is probably to utter an otherwise unprintable sequence of words and crumple the ticket in anger.
However, the next time you see a colored envelope on your windshield, you may want to wait a minute before crumpling it up. That's because it may not actually be a parking ticket.
The three-man street art team known as Concerned New Yorkers recently launched a new art campaign as part of the 2012 Art in Odd Places festival. Here, the concept is that what looks like a parking ticket attached to a windshield is actually a survey seeking to gather public opinion on the New York Police Department and a pre-addressed/stamped envelope in which to return the survey.
After Concerned New Yorkers are done collecting the surveys, they will post them online and deliver them to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office at City Hall.
According to Concerned New Yorkers, the art campaign isn't about engendering anger or ill will toward the police department, but rather toward facilitating an active dialogue in the time of such controversial tactics as the stop-and-frisk program.
"We didn't want to do it in a completely negative way," said Concerned New York member Kenny Komer. "I generally think most cops are good-natured and want to do good."
While the highly creative project is earning praise in the art world, it is sometimes a tough sell to the average New Yorker.
"A few people got very upset, even when we explained it was just an art project and a survey," said Concerned New York member Boris Rasin. "It's a gut reaction to that dreaded colored piece of paper."
Stay tuned for updates on our New York vehicle traffic law blog ...
If you have been issued a traffic violation, fight to keep your driving privileges and your insurance premiums as low as possible. Consider contacting an attorney who understands New York's confusing legal system, and who can help you evaluate your options and make the right decisions.
This post was provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.
Source:
Metro, "'Concerned New Yorkers' leaving fake parking tickets on 14th street," Danielle Tcholakian, Oct. 8, 2012