MTA Bridges and Tunnels officers, along with the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies, conducted a collaborative operation spanning two days, resulting in 21 arrests, the confiscation of 21 vehicles, and the issuance of 793 summonses to address ghost plates and persistent toll evaders, transit authorities revealed on Sunday.
The enforcement action unfolded primarily at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge on Thursday and continued at the Throgs Neck Bridge, George Washington Bridge, and Lincoln Tunnel on Friday.
During the operation, officers impounded 21 vehicles for various violations, such as unpaid tolls, unregistered status, suspended licenses, and other traffic offenses, according to officials.
A total of 21 individuals were apprehended, and 793 summonses were issued to address outstanding debts amounting to $586,000 in unpaid tolls, fees, and related liabilities amassed by the offenders.
“Heightened enforcement measures have yielded significant results and hopefully conveyed a clear message to all violators and would-be violators—if you attempt to evade toll payments at any crossing within the metropolitan area, the consequences will only escalate,” remarked MTA B&T President Catherine Sheridan.
Among those apprehended was a driver of an Escalade with multiple license suspensions and the operator of an 18-wheeler with an altered license plate.
The Escalade driver was taken into custody, while authorities seized the 18-wheeler.
Between 2022 and 2023, MTA B&T experienced a 46.6% increase in vehicle seizures and a 15% uptick in summonses issued for obscured license plates. Last year, 2,731 vehicles were impounded, and 17,865 summonses were issued to motorists.
“Motorists who believe they can evade their toll obligations at our crossings should reconsider. You will be apprehended, and you will face legal consequences,” emphasized Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar. “Our dedication to fairness and enforcement on our roadways is unwavering.”
So far this year, 3,000 summonses have been issued, and MTA B&T reported that since implementing the agency’s DMV Registration Suspension Program, 98% of outstanding tolls owed by repeat toll evaders have been recovered.
The joint operation involved personnel from MTA B&T, the NYPD, New York State Police, Port Authority Police, New York City Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
“Every member of our multiagency task force is fully committed to identifying every unsafe, unregistered ‘ghost’ vehicle in New York City,” affirmed NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban.
{Matzav.com}
ANIMALS!! They’re so worried about the money they lose on toll evaders , let them go after the 100M they lose from fare beaters on the subways