BPM,
I don’t think this is about members parking in front of shuls. Memebrs respond from shul and their vehicles and equipment are needed closeby.
This is about non-memebers who violate the law and put the public in danger by driving reclessley, with unauthorized L&S, and block pumps.
This issue is compounded by those chayas having VAS plates; the public and Police assume that it is Hatzolah, they get away with their actions, and Hatzolah gets a bad rap due to this incorrect assumption.
You are correct, that these plates are obtained through another volunteer ambulance service by giving out letters for less than forthright reasons as you put it.
I understand that the main culprit is Bed-Stuy Vol Ambulance, and this is “public knowledge” within “the macher, and wanna-be circles” so I don’t think that is really being kept quiet.
If they are licensed as a Vol Amb Svce, they do have the right, technically, to issue letters to their “members”.
I agree that this is scandalous, but I am not sure what can be done besides local Police enforcement by actually following these cars to see where they are going. I have been followed while responding, and I no issue with it. Let PD do it more often so they can see we are legit and at the same time the chayas will hopefully get weeded out.
Perhaps an audit of Bed Stuy by the DOH and DMV might revoke their license, and DMV can recall and not renew all those plates. Not sure however if this is a top agenda for the State.