Officials: 55 vehicles impounded during crackdown of toll evaders, ghost plates
The sting is the 25th in an ongoing operation by the MTA and multiple city and state agencies.
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Transportation officials across New York City continue to crackdown on toll dodgers and fake license plates.
In a single day in the Bronx, law enforcement officers say they impounded 55 vehicles, issued 433 summons and arrested 13 drivers near the Whitestone Bridge. The drivers owed a combined total near $480,00 in unpaid tolls and fees.
The sting is the 25th in an ongoing operation by the MTA and multiple city and state agencies.
Some of the cars impounded include a Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac Escalade.
“This is about fairness and making sure new yorkers don't get stuck with the bills that the dead beats won't pay, it's your money that they're taking and we're not going to let it happen," said Janno Lieber, MTA chair and CEO.
The MTA says it has been able to link some of the drivers of these vehicles to previous crimes.
“One individual had extensive violent history, including two-gun possession arrests and arrest for a shots fired incident earlier that year,” said Philip Rivera, NYPD chief of transportation.
While the issue of catching toll evaders is a matter of traffic safety and public safety, Lieber says the money is crucial to maintain the city’s transit system.
The MTA estimates a loss of $50 million each year due to toll evasion.
