PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Mary Vakras, Member of the Public, on E-Vehicle Safety and Intro 606
4:27:29
·
130 sec
Mary Vakras, a lifelong New Yorker, testifies in support of Intro 606 (Priscilla's Law), advocating for the registration and licensing of e-vehicles to improve pedestrian safety and quality of life in New York City. She emphasizes the need for accountability and enforcement of traffic laws for e-vehicle riders.
- Describes personal observations of dangerous e-vehicle behavior, including running red lights and riding on sidewalks
- Argues that the legislation would make riders more conscientious and allow for better tracking of infractions
- Addresses concerns about potential prejudice, stating that her multicultural family, including those in the restaurant industry, do not feel the law would be discriminatory
Mary Vakras
4:27:29
Good afternoon.
4:27:30
My name is Mary Vakras and I'm pleased to address you on this important legislation today, Priscilla's Law intro 606.
4:27:38
As a lifelong New Yorker, I was born in Queens and have lived on the upper east side since 1976.
4:27:45
I have always felt that New York City was a wonderful city for pedestrians.
4:27:50
No longer.
4:27:52
The reckless e vehicle riding has made crossing the street and even walking on the sidewalk a dangerous activity.
4:27:59
E vehicles are not stopping at red lights.
4:28:01
They are riding on the sidewalk and they are going the wrong way on one way streets.
4:28:06
This careless disregard for traffic laws has made the city especially dangerous for the elderly, the disabled, and young children.
4:28:15
I have made numerous calls to 311 about this problem and have had police respond that there is nothing they can do about this crisis.
4:28:23
With Priscilla's law, the police and the public will have a way to report and track down egregious e vehicle infractions.
4:28:32
If these vehicles are registered and have an identifying license number, then all of us will be safer.
4:28:38
The riders will know that there is a way to locate them so they will be more conscientious about following traffic laws.
4:28:46
Without this legislation, the quality of life for all New Yorkers is dismissed.
4:28:53
We do not need another task force to study this issue.
4:28:57
This is a time for common sense legislation and common sense action.
4:29:04
Please pass this important legislation so all of us can safely walk in this wonderful city.
4:29:10
In conclusion, I'd like to address the, concerns of some people and advocate Williams mentioned this as well.
4:29:17
I represent not only myself, but my but also my multicultural family, which includes brown, black, white, and Asian people.
4:29:28
Many of whom work in the restaurant industry.
4:29:32
None of them feel that intro 606 would be prejudicial to them.
4:29:37
Please pass Priscilla's law.
