2 arrested, 17 cars seized during congestion pricing enforcement: NYPD

NEW YORK (PIX11) – The NYPD arrested two people and seized 17 cars during its congestion pricing zone enforcement on Tuesday, according to authorities.

A total of 82 summonses were given out. Multiple law enforcement agencies have been working together to crack down on toll evaders and drivers who conceal or alter their license plates in New York City.

“There’s going to be an entirely new industry on how to evade tolls. That’s just the ingenuity of mankind,” Mayor Eric Adams said.

More than 70,000 "ghost cars" have been taken off New York City streets, according to the Adams administration. The NYPD will continue to crack down on ghost plates on Wednesday, sources told PIX11 News.

City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino faced backlash from the MTA and lawmakers after seemingly encouraging constituents to disable the cameras, suggesting that a "high-powered green laser pointer" could destroy the sensor.

“This is ridiculous. You don’t have to even like the program, but you shouldn’t be encouraging people to deface property,” Powers said.

While Gov. Kathy Hochul supported the passage of the $9 once-daily toll to help fund transit improvements and cut traffic, she told PIX11's Dan Mannarino that she plans to propose new tax credits to ease the overall pain.

"I know it's a hit on people's wallets," Hochul said on PIX on Politics. "I'm always going to be laser-focused on putting money back into people's pockets."