For many New Yorkers, alternate side parking means setting alarms, rearranging schedules and rushing outside to move their cars several times a week. 

Now, a new pilot program in Prospect Heights is testing whether reducing street cleaning days could make life easier for drivers without sacrificing clean streets. 

Beginning Aug. 3, drivers on select streets in Prospect Heights will only have to move their vehicles once a week for street cleaning. The seven-week pilot program was introduced by City Council Member Crystal Hudson, who represents the district. 

Hudson said she has spent years hearing from residents who question whether the city's current alternate side parking regulations are necessary at their existing frequency. 

The initiative comes as city officials acknowledge that many drivers are already ignoring parking restrictions. According to the Department of Sanitation, roughly 500,000 vehicle owners across New York City fail to comply with street cleaning rules each week. 

The goal of the pilot is to determine whether fewer street cleaning days can still maintain the same level of cleanliness on neighborhood streets. Officials will monitor conditions throughout the program to evaluate its effectiveness. 

A spokesperson for DSNY says if compliance is not where it should be, the pilot will end.

Not everyone is convinced that reducing parking restrictions should come at the expense of street cleanliness. 

"While parking is super important, I think quality of life for everyone, not just people who have cars, is super important," said Prospect Heights resident Teddy Ward. "Most people don't have cars in the city. Making sure that the streets are clean to me is more important. I have a car. I should move it." 

Officials say existing parking signs in the neighborhood will not be changed during the pilot. However, some drivers are hoping additional signage and public outreach will help ensure residents are aware of the temporary rules. 

The pilot includes the following streets: