NEW YORK (PIX11) – Drivers have been paying a toll to travel into the congestion zone in Manhattan since Sunday.
Police and the MTA have been making sure people pay.
Three drivers were arrested for warrants or serious violations at an action Wednesday afternoon into the evening on the Whitestone Bridge.
Law enforcement patrols are busy around the city scanning thousands of plates. Fake Florida plates have been favored along with plate covers.
Charles Chavez is the chief of the department with MTA Bridge and Tunnel Police.
“People always try to beat the system. A leaf or paper over a number and technology makes it look better. Our grabs are getting better,” he said.
Since congestion pricing began, this is the first joint operation with the MTA, NYPD, and other partner agencies. It’s the 63rd action at a bridge or tunnel in the past year, and the next one can pop up anywhere, anytime.
It’s a $100 ticket for the first covered plate offense, and the agencies keep track of repeat offenders.
In the past year, more than 34,000 citations have been issued, and more than 3,000 cars have been seized for serious toll violations.
The license plate readers are also always scanning from hundreds of patrol cars on city roads.
New York State law changed in September, allowing officers to stop vehicles based on observations and an issue with license plates.
NYPD has been conducting its own enforcement in and around the congestion zone.
On Wednesday morning, artist and activist Scott LoBaido from Staten Island got on top of his vehicle at 60th Street and Columbus Circle to protest the program.
“Lock me up if that's what it has to take. I can’t handle this anymore. Cover your plates, block traffic, and watch how quick it stops,” he shouted.
He was arrested and given criminal court appearance tickets for disorderly conduct, creating a hazard, and blocking traffic. He will return to court on January 27.
MTA staff members are also tracking ridership.
On Tuesday, there were 3.77 million rides. That’s a 12.7% increase from the date last year, which was on a Sunday.
Monday’s increase was reported to be 4%.
Bus ridership was up 10%.