NYPD cracking down on pedicab price gouging, illegal street vendors in Midtown

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11) — The NYPD launched its “Operation Front Door” Wednesday, an initiative aimed at cracking down on pedicab price gouging and illegal street vending that police officials said are impacting the quality of life in Midtown Manhattan.

PIX11 News crews watched as NYPD officers seized dozens of unlicensed pedicabs that they said have a number of violations, from illegal motors to loudspeakers. The pedicabs were then loaded onto a flatbed truck and taken to the pound. Officers also shut down vendors selling illegal products around Midtown.

NYPD officials said the operation comes in response to a surge of complaints from local residents and tourists, many of whom have expressed frustration over vendors setting up shop without permits and an increasing number of pedicabs charging excessive rates.

Mayor Eric Adams echoed these concerns, stating that the pedicabs and illegal vending are impacting the well-being of the area. 

“Operation Front Door means that we’re going to ensure our welcome mat, Times Square, is the front door of our city, tourism industry, and we’re going to show people that this is the best place to come and spend time,” said Adams. 

Eliza Petrosyan, a tourist from Armenia, echoed Adams' sentiments. 

“As tourists it’s not comfortable for us when they are approaching all the time and asking us to go to any corner and suggesting us some bags, watches. We don’t even know how to refuse them,” said Petrosyan. 

When asked if they have plans to address other quality-of-life issues in the city, such as open-air drug markets, the NYPD stated it has several active investigations targeting those issues as well.