Some drivers are resorting to desperate measures to avoid congestion pricing, such as risking lives to bypass toll cameras. A video shared on social media revealed a potential hack to evade toll cameras on West End Avenue by cutting through a parking garage with an entrance on 60th Street and an exit on 61st Street. The driver proudly showcased their ability to avoid the toll while driving through the Upper West Side garage, even though the congestion pricing zone could be implemented as soon as June 15. By making a left onto 61st Street and cutting through the garage, drivers may be able to avoid the toll camera successfully, but at the risk of going the wrong way through a one-way lane and potentially causing a head-to-head face-off.
The congestion pricing plan will impose fees of $15 on passenger cars and $24 to $36 on commercial trucks during peak hours when entering Manhattan at 60th Street or below. Critics argue that this toll unfairly targets working-class drivers, particularly those from outer boroughs or areas that do not have adequate public transportation options. The rates are in effect during peak hours on weekdays from 5 am to 9 pm and weekends from 9 am to 9 pm. During other times, tolls are reduced to $2.75 for passenger vehicles, $6 for small trucks, $9 for large trucks, and $1.75 for motorcycles. However, emergency vehicles, school buses, specialized government vehicles, and vehicles carrying people with disabilities are exempt from these fees.
In her budget proposal, Gov. Hochul included a measure that would allow law enforcement officers to charge fare evaders with a Class A misdemeanor for toll theft. This plan has sparked controversy and is being challenged in federal court by New Jersey as they seek to prevent its implementation. Some individuals criticized a TikToker for sharing the video of the toll hack, suggesting that he should have kept it a secret. Many had been using the loophole in the garage to avoid the toll and expressed concern that it would be quickly addressed and patched up to prevent further exploitation.
The potential consequences of bypassing toll cameras for congestion pricing could be severe, as drivers risk their lives and the safety of others by going the wrong way through a one-way parking garage. The controversial toll system has drawn criticism for unfairly burdening certain groups of drivers and potentially causing financial strain on working-class individuals. Despite exemptions for certain vehicles and reduced rates during non-peak hours, the toll plan remains a point of contention among policymakers and residents alike. With ongoing legal challenges and debates over the impact of congestion pricing, it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved and whether drivers will continue to seek loopholes to avoid tolls.