New York launched its congestion charge program on Sunday for motorists wishing to access central Manhattan.
The state’s Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, announced in November that motorists entering Manhattan Island south of Central Park would pay $9 during the day.
This project is intended to reduce air pollution while financing the metro of the American metropolis, it is indicated.
Neighboring New York cities are strongly opposed to the toll, arguing what they believe is a harmful impact on their businesses and on the ability of their residents to get to their jobs in Manhattan.
A judge rejected a last-minute appeal filed Friday by officials in the neighboring state of New Jersey, who said the project would have harmful environmental consequences on adjacent areas.
Taxi drivers’ associations have also expressed their opposition, as their customers now have to pay a surcharge for the affected journeys.
Nearly 700,000 vehicles travel every day, at an average of 11 km/h, in the area affected by this tax, from 60th Street towards southern Manhattan.
However, numerous toll exemptions exist, as well as a reduction for low wages or for motorists who enter the zone more than ten times a month.
With MAP
Morocco
