The 2010 Holiday Season is in full swing and the 2010 Holiday Traffic Plan is getting underway as well. The NYC DOT partnered with the NYPD and other agencies to develop this year’s plan which identifies Gridlock Alert Days, Traffic Management Initiatives, and Increased Enforcement Initiatives. Below, are some of the major highlights from the 2010 Holiday Traffic Plan.

Gridlock Alert Days

City officials designated several dates when an anticipated surge in traffic is expected. On the following dates, people are advised to use mass transit whenever possible:

• Friday, December 10


• Wednesday, December 15


• Thursday, December 16


• Friday, December 17


• Wednesday, December 22


• Thursday, December 23

Traffic Management Initiatives

• Restricted access to major bridges, tunnels, roadways and streets
  
• Expanded Use of DOT Traffic Monitoring Cameras
  
• Turn Restrictions – To alleviate congestion around Rockefeller Center there are planned temporary turn restrictions on 5th Avenue at 55th, 53rd, 51st, and 47th streets.
  
• 511NY – 511NY is a program that was recently launched by the New York State DOT. It is a new service offering free information on transportation services and traffic conditions throughout New York State. Users can obtain information by dialing 511 or visiting the website at www.511ny.org. This service provides relevant information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  

Increased Enforcement Initiatives

• Holiday Construction Embargo – A construction embargo is in place through 11:59 pm on Sunday January 2, 2011. This embargo will be strictly enforced. The locations and conditions of the embargo are available at the NYC DOT web site.


• Operation Safe Streets – From November 29 – December 29 the NYPD will increase enforcement in an effort to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Their goal is to make 2010 the safest holiday season ever. The increased enforcement will be concentrated in midtown and other key areas across the city. The NYPD will primarily focus on the following vehicular violations: driving while intoxicated, speeding, disobeying traffic signals, improper turns, and seatbelt violations. Additionally, the NYPD will place a special focus on taxis.


• Operation Move-Along – Addresses the traffic problems caused by double parking and unauthorized parking. There will be a zero tolerance policy towards existing curbside parking rules and regulations. The NYPD will place a special focus on major transportation hub and violators will be summoned, towed or booted.

Read more Holiday Shopping Safety Tips from the National Safety Commission.

Labels: driver safety tips, holiday safety, new york driving laws, parking regulations, traffic safety