BILL NUMBER:S6727

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the transportation law, in relation to
the creation of a website where motorists can report potholes

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To create an interactive website where motorists can report potholes.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends transportation law section 13 by adding a new
subdivision 3 to provide that the commissioner shall create an
interactive website where motorists can report the locations of
potholes, check the status of their repair and view the locations of
reported potholes to be avoided.

Section 2 is the effective date.

JUSTIFICATION:

The number and severity of potholes on state roads in Westchester
County are creating an emergency situation. The potholes left
unattended have become craters. Numerous cars that have hit them have
suffered tire blow-outs or more significant damage. Cars are swerving
around and stopping short of potholes which could result in serious
              

accidents.

While the Department of Transportation has a pothole hotline, New York
should follow the lead of other states that use the Internet to
identify newly emerging dangerous locations and to alert motorists to
the location of significant potholes.

The proposed interactive website would allow drivers to assist the
Department in prioritizing work and also allow drivers to plan their
routes with a map showing where potholes have been reported before
venturing out on the roads. This interactive website could prevent
many accidents from occurring.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act shall take effect immediately, provided that the addition,
amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the
implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be
made and completed on or before such date.