The decline exceeds the 20-percent cut Mayor Michael Bloomberg promised in January. Some local drivers have long groused about seeing city workers park in some prime curbside spaces off-limits to other motorists.
The permits allow city employees to park for free around their workplaces and elsewhere while on official business.
Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler says the city isn't banning employees from driving to work - just getting tough on misuse of the placards and freeing up parking for other drivers.
