NYC to Bill Motorists Who Crash and Need Aid

Source: Wall Street Journal

Attention New York City motorists: If you get into an accident and need the FDNY to come to the rescue, expect a bill.

Facing serious budgetary constraints, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration has decided to join a growing number of municipalities around the country that are charging motorists involved in accidents for emergency-response services.

A vehicle fire or any other incident with injuries will cost $490. A vehicle fire without injuries will cost $415. And incidents without fire or injuries will cost $365.

These charges apply to every vehicle involved in the incident.

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703766704576009783653038772.html?mod=WSJ_NY_MIDDLELEADNewsCollection

The Mayor couldn't get the city to pass congestion pricing. I wonder if this is a bit of a backdoor replacement. It might make people think twice before driving, if they don't need to do so.

The County Executive wanted to start charging ambulance fees to help close a budget shortfall. He's a Democrat in a heavily Democratic county, and he had the support of the paid firefighters, among others. Opponents of the fees started a petition against the proposed fees, and encountered all kinds of obstacles leading to a court fight for the righ to put the matter to a public referendum.

Among those opposing the proposed fees were the volunteer fire and rescue personnel who said it was ridiculous for the county to charge victims for services that the volunteers provide at no cost. Opponents also said people would be afraid to call 911 for fear of getting billed. This in turn could result in more deaths and more severe medical conditions, the opponents argued.

The voters rejected the fee proposal by more than 6 percentage points in last month's election.