h. nazan ışık —
12 March 2024—
Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and other agencies announced today on Tuesday 12 March, a multi-agency city-state task force to crack down, remove “ghost cars” from New York City streets.
What is “Ghost cars”? Cars that are virtually untraceable by traffic cameras and toll readers because of their forged or altered license plates.
The press conference was held on the RFK TriBoro Bridge on Tuesday , 12 March 2024 with Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Police Department Commissioner Edward A. Caban, New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and others.
(L to R) Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hockul, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, New York City Police Department Commissioner Edward A. Caban at the press conference announcing the launch of a multi-agency city-state task force dedicated to identifying and removing “ghost cars”. © h. nazan ışık
Mayor Adams showed fake or altered license plates, and said “It doesn’t matter the vehicle, you see yellow cabs, old or new cars, high-end-luxury vehicles” © h. nazan ışık
New York City Mayor Adams :“Outlaws have been purchasing fake or paper license plates online to avoid tolls and tickets, as well as to evade accountability for serious crimes, but we’re pumping the brakes on the use of ‘ghost plates’ with the help of this multi-agency task force.
“Ghostbusters have arrived!”
Governor Kathy Hochul © h. nazan ışık
Governor Kathy Hochul; “By launching this city-state task force, we are sending a clear message: if you attempt to alter your license plate to avoid traffic cameras and toll readers, you will be caught,” Governor Hochul said.” If you say ‘I’ll take my chances. Because I’ll never get caught’
Those days are gone. Because you will get caught. In fact today The Ghostbusters have arrived. You have seen what they can do. We are going after the “ghost vehicle”. The gig is up…We are sick and tired of people taking advantage and everybody else feels like a sucker because they’re paying the tolls like law abiding citizens. They are the ones who are going to get the last laugh.”
“Toll-dodging drivers cost the MTA an estimated $50 million every year — money that could be reinvested into modernizing the New York City transit system. That’s the public’s money they’re taking. And we can’t stand for it. So, if you have anything like that affixed to your plate, it would be smart to remove it. Because you could be stopped by a Bridge and Tunnel officer, or by any of our partner agencies. And we will collect on the money you owe us.” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.
“No one is above the law”
Mayor Eric Adams © h. nazan ışık
“Working with our city and state law enforcement partners, on Monday, 11 March we impounded 73 vehicles, issued 282 summonses, and made eight arrests, and sent an important message to everyone who drives on the streets of our city: “ No one is above the law! ” These cars might not have license plates, but we’ve got their number, and we’re going after anyone who tries to make their car untraceable.”
“ No one is above the law. If you drive with an illegal or deface license plate you will face the outcome” said Mayor Adams.
Photographs © h. nazan ışık
© h. nazan ışık / NKENdiKEN