The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), in collaboration with the New York Police Department (NYPD), has intensified its efforts to combat toll evasion at various city-operated bridges and tunnels.
During the “ghost plates” operation last week, the MTA confiscated 57 vehicles for using devices to evade detection.
This operation represents the 11th instance where the MTA has undertaken such seizures.
The initiative, part of a broader campaign initiated in March under the guidance of Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to address the ongoing issue of drivers using illegal methods to avoid fines and tolls.
Mayor Adams said during a March press conference, “These cars might not have license plates, but we’ve got their numbers, and we’re going after anyone who tries to make their car untraceable.”
Authorities have reported a diverse array of offenses among the owners of the seized vehicles.
These include numerous unpaid tolls, possessing unregistered vehicles, driving with suspended licenses, and other related violations. These infractions have culminated in over $300,000 in outstanding tolls, additional fees, and accumulated judgments against the violators.
During this crackdown, law enforcement arrested 19 individuals and handed out 100 summonses.
The MTA released images capturing the lengths to which some drivers go to hide their identities; one depicted a vehicle with a fast food bag obscuring its license plate, while another showed a plate stripped of paint and covered in foliage.
Since initiating the ghost plate operations, the MTA has seized 675 vehicles, made 161 arrests, and issued more than 4,700 citations in their ongoing battle against toll evasion.
According to a report from the city comptroller’s office, the evasion tactics resulted in a loss of $108 million last year, primarily from drivers circumventing speed cameras. With the impending increase in Manhattan driving costs due to congestion pricing, officials anticipate an uptick in such deceptive practices.
