Interagency Scofflaw Operation at Bronx-Whitestone Results in 10 Arrests and 459 Summonses
Through 12 Operations, Officers Have Seized 734 Vehicles, Issued 5,230 Summonses, and Made 171 Arrests
View Photos of Seized Vehicles
View Video B-Roll Footage of Enforcement Efforts
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bridges and Tunnels and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), along with regional law enforcement partners, today announced the results of their 12th interagency task force operation to remove ghost vehicles and crack down on persistent toll violators. The interagency operation included MTA Bridge and Tunnel Officers, MTA Police, NYPD, New York State Police, New York City Sherriff’s Office, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Police, and U.S. Park Police.
Officers seized 59 vehicles for a number of violations including unpaid tolls, unregistered vehicles, and suspended licenses among other traffic infractions on Wednesday, May 15, at the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge. The scofflaws had amassed nearly $329,629 in unpaid tolls and fees, judgments, and debts. The operation resulted in 10 arrests and 459 summonses issued.
Through 12 joint enforcement operations, officers have seized 734 vehicles, made 171 arrests and have issued 5,230 summonses.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels Revenue Recovery Efforts
MTA Bridges and Tunnels, through tolls and fees collected, has recovered more than 98% of the tolls owed by recidivist toll scofflaws since the inception of its DMV Registration Suspension Program.
This enforcement aligns with a coordinated strategy by MTA Bridges and Tunnels and City and State law enforcement partners who announced a joint effort against obstructed and counterfeit license plates last year. Since the start of Open Road Tolling, Bridge and Tunnel officers have interdicted more than 9,500 vehicles for persistent non-payment of tolls.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels uses a variety of tools to identify violators and interdict vehicles:
- DMV registration suspensions
- Robust roadside interdictions
- Data-driven intelligence to continuously identify persistent toll violators
Motorists can avoid violation fees and registration suspensions by paying their toll bills on time, using the award-winning Tolls NY free mobile application to pay tolls or manage their E-ZPass accounts. E-ZPass NY Customer Service Center account holders can save at least 25% at MTA B&T tolled crossings by using E-ZPass. To set up an E-ZPass account or for more information, visit www.ezpassny.com. NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibits any covering or coating that intentionally conceals, obscures, or distorts an image of license plates.