A federal judge temporarily stopped Trump's administration's efforts to kill New York City's controversial congestion pricing plan on Tuesday. [emphasis, links added]
U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman issued a temporary restraining order unless the government gets rid of the program and withholds federal funds if the city fails to lift the program.
Liman's Tuesday restriction order kept tolls until at least June 9 and prevented transport secretary Sean Duffy from retaliating against the city.
“Today, the judge's ruling is not the merits of our class war against Hawkel, but a temporary pause with more time to make decisions,” a Department of Transport spokesman said in a statement to Fox News' digitalization.
“Not complying with the law enforcement action of violations is only considered and we will comply with the judge’s holding requirements.”
“We look forward to opposing (NY Governor Casey) Hawkel’s illegal toll in court We strive to protect working-class Americans from unfairly going to work, meeting their families or visiting cities,The statement continues.
In February, Trump posted an image of himself wearing a crown and wrote: “Congestion pricing is dead. Manhattan and the entire New York City in New York were saved. Long live the king!”
Fox News Digital has contacted the White House.
The program kicked off in January with electronic license plate readers and charged most riders $9 during peak losses to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, trying to reduce traffic congestion and raise funds to improve mass transportation.
The city said the plan has greatly reduced congestion on the road.
The traffic congestion zone between January and March is 5.8 million fewer cars than expected, or about 8% to 13% lessOfficials said.
New York City auditor Brad Lander said the plan is better for businesses, the city’s tourism industry, and for buses and taxis to drive.
He noted car crashes, noise complaints and traffic crashes.
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