NYC ghost cars exhibiting risky driving behavior and accruing unpaid fines, reveals study.
In a recent development, Councilmember Gale Brewer, who represents the Upper West Side and chairs the Council's investigations committee, has urged for increased targeted enforcement against ghost-car drivers in New York City.
Brewer's call to action comes following the release of a City Council report highlighting the prevalence of cars with illegal out-of-state license plates or no plates at all in the city. These so-called "ghost cars" pose a significant challenge for law enforcement due to their harder-to-trace nature.
The report raises additional concerns about the speeding of these ghost cars in school zones and their tendency to block fire hydrants. These activities not only flout the law but also pose a threat to public safety.
To combat this issue, Brewer has proposed several measures. She suggests the establishment of more tow pounds for the removal of ghost cars, as well as increased coordination among agencies to address ghost-car hotspots more effectively.
Brewer has also emphasised that the issue of ghost cars has exploded in recent times, with a lack of enforcement in the past allowing these vehicles to get away with their activities. She compared the issue to smoke shops, stating that they have been noticed by all New Yorkers.
The city is losing millions of dollars in revenue each year due to these ghost cars, primarily due to their outstanding tolls and fines. A previous city comptroller analysis estimated that the city loses over $100 million annually due to these ghost cars.
Moreover, the occupancy of these ghost cars in limited parking spaces causes issues, contributing to the city's loss of parking space. Brewer's comparison of ghost cars to smoke shops underscores the need for immediate action to address this growing problem.
While the authorities that have increasingly acted against drivers of ghost cars in recent months are not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and financial well-being of the city.
