NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The MTA announced on Thursday its 10th enforcement operation, targeting toll violators and removing ghost vehicles at seven bridges and tunnels, resulting in 193 vehicle seizures, 56 arrests, and 1,381 summonses.
The MTA along with the NYPD, Port Authority Police, New York City Sheriff's Office and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles conducted a two-day operation from April 29 to May 1 after toll violators accumulated over $1.2 million in unpaid tolls and fees.
Cars were stopped at several locations including the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, Robert F. Kennedy, Willis Avenue, Third Avenue, and George Washington Bridges, as well as the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels for various violations, including unpaid tolls, driving unregistered vehicles, and operating with suspended licenses.
“The success of our 10th enforcement operation illustrates the seamless coordination with our law enforcement partners,” MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan said. “The evolution and expansion of operations across our regional bridges and tunnels, sends a clear message that if you break the law on our roads you will be caught, prosecuted, and your vehicle may be towed.”
In 2023 alone, the MTA Bridges and Tunnels operations seized 2,731 vehicles, a 46.6% increase from 2022, according to the MTA.
In 2024, more than 1,000 vehicles were seized for non-payment of tolls, according to the MTA Bridges and Tunnels.
Since starting the DMV Registration Suspension Program, MTA Bridges and Tunnels has recovered more than 98% of the tolls owed by offenders through collected tolls and fees.