‘Selfish money grab,’ fume officials as new law will see drivers charged $15 a day to drive into major US city

CONGESTION pricing has caused severe tension on the east coast, with many saying it will not reduce congestion and harm locals.

Several New Jersey counties have engaged in a legal battle against New York City's newly passed congestion pricing policy.

The policy has prices varying per type of vehicle entering Manhattan, though the average cost is $15 per car that enters the region.

Even some local celebrities have initiated law suits with the Big Apple, saying that instead of reducing congestion on major highways, it will increase congestion in surrounding neighborhoods.

New Jersey residents who travel into the city say that it will harm them, as there are no allowances for employees that have to travel daily into Manhattan.

Now, reported by NorthJersey.com, an additional Jersey county - Bergen County - has entered the fray as county executive Jim Tedesco calls congestion pricing a 'selfish money grab by New York City.'

"New York's unilateral decision to finally address years of financial mismanagement at the MTA by plugging revenue holes at the environmental and financial detriment of Bergen County residents and businesses is shameful and must be stopped," he said.

Bergen County procured their own environmental report, and found that congestion pricing would actually increase the amount of semi-trucks on Interstate 95 by up to 1,000, filed January 8.

The report also concluded that the amount of vehicle miles traveled would increase by more than 10 percent, translated into more than 10 million miles per weekday.

The report read: "The Final Environmental Assessment and FONSI fails to propose or commit to or mitigate any of the impacts on Bergen County, failed to consult with Bergen County communities or include recommendations by the EPA and never considered how each possible scenario would affect Bergen County."

Since most motorists would strive to avoid the toll roads, it would mean collateral damage to towns withing Bergen County, which rely on vehicle traffic for a large percentage of their revenue.

The document further stated that the entire state of New Jersey was concerned about the policy and its effect on Jersey resident, though Bergen County would be the most affected.

Germaine Ortiz, a commissioner chairwoman of the county, asked the courts to consider the long list of harmful effects the policy has on residents.

"By joining the state of New Jersey lawsuit against congestion pricing, we affirm our commitment to supporting the well-being of our community," she said.

"The failure to thoroughly consider the impact on neighboring states is evident. We demand to be part of the decision-making process, and will never stop advocating for the needs and health of all Bergen County residents."