Two of New York Metropolis’s firefighter unions are slamming the newly applied $9 congestion toll plan, saying Sunday that it’s going to doubtless harm response instances — which “may imply a distinction between life and demise.”
FDNY firefighters got here out towards the scheme on Sunday, simply as drivers started getting charged for getting into Manhattan under 61st Avenue. The toll is $9 throughout peak hours — from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends — and $2.25 for off-peak hours.
New York’s Bravest warned the brand new tolls may delay emergency response time as firefighters will not use their automobiles to shortly get across the metropolis, and as a substitute be compelled to attempt to navigate extra congested streets in firetrucks.
“Fireplace engines and hearth vehicles will likely be delayed as a result of the FDNY must use these autos to maneuver firefighters across the metropolis as a result of firefighters that may not deliver their automobiles into the zone could have no different solution to get to a unique work location with their gear,” mentioned Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation President Andrew Ansbro.
Elevated visitors congestion north of sixtieth Avenue will doubtless additionally result in slower response instances, which “may imply the distinction between life and demise,” in response to Ansbro.
“This isn’t only a logistical challenge — it’s a public well being disaster within the making,” he added.
Members of the Uniformed Fireplace Officers Affiliation (UFOA) additionally slammed the financial impression congestion pricing could have on New Yorkers, with the change more likely to price residents thousands and thousands yearly.
“Congestion pricing will burden residents with thousands and thousands in added prices yearly. It’s an unfair tax that doesn’t account for the essential wants of emergency companies,” UFOA President James Brosi mentioned.
Each unions are urging metropolis officers to think about exemptions to the plan for emergency companies, warning the present construction places New Yorkers’ lives in danger.
“Congestion pricing shouldn’t come on the expense of public security ,” each leaders mentioned in a joint assertion. “We urge metropolis and state officers to handle these essential issues earlier than implementing a coverage that places each New Yorker in danger.”
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