The United States' first congestion charge scheme for vehicles has come into effect in New York City, with the zone covering an area that includes Empire State Building, Times Square and the financial district around Wall Street.
Car drivers will pay up to US$9 (A$14.47) per day to enter the zone, small trucks and non-commuter buses will pay $14.40 ($23.15) to enter Manhattan at peak times, and larger trucks and tourist buses will pay a $21.60 ($34.72) fee.
The scheme is looking to reduce New York's traffic problems, having been named the world's most-congested urban area for two years in a row, according to INRIX, and to raise billions for the public transport network.
New York state Governor Kathy Hochul had originally pitched a congestion charge two years ago, but it was delayed and revised following complaints.
The scheme has also been met with considerable opposition, from taxi drivers' associations, commuters, businesses and President-elect Donald Trump, a native New Yorker who has promised to reverse the charges when he returns to the top job this month.
A judge has already denied a final ditch effort from neighbouring New Jersey state officials to block the scheme on grounds of its environmental impact on adjoining areas.