Congestion charge for New York City likely to be postponed
According to the US daily newspaper Politico, New York Governor Kathy Hochul fears that implementation by 30 June could damage the Democrats in the battle for seats in the House of Representatives. A new start date for the congestion charge, which will also apply to electric vehicles, has not yet been set.
If the congestion charge had been implemented, it would have charged many drivers $15 for entering a designated zone of Manhattan south of 60th Street during the day. The charge has been subject to a notable amount of negative attention from conservatives, in part due to former President Trump’s Tower in New York lying within the congestion zone. However, Democratic party politicians have also criticized the plans, mainly highlighting differences between urban and suburban residents, as well as the financial burden.
State Senator Monica R. Martinez said: “I applaud the decision by Governor Hochul to hit the brakes by indefinitely placing a pause on the implementation of congestion pricing and the toll it would have on our Long Island residents. Though I recognize and support the need to reduce emissions for the health of our region, this goal must not be achieved by driving residents, businesses, and workers out of the city.”
Politico sees the move as the latest evidence that the governor is seeking a greater role in the Democratic Party. On Tuesday, she issued a statement on border security together with President Joe Biden at the White House, it continues.
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