A congestion pricing plan that would charge people more money to drive into parts of Manhattan came one step closer to approval Thursday.

The Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission recommended that drivers traveling into Manhattan below 60th Street from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays pay $8. Truck drivers would pay $21, unless they drive low-emission trucks.

The panel also recommended adding a $1 taxi surcharge and increasing parking meter rates.

Many Long Islanders disagree with the plan, proposed by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "Between the gas, between the tolls ? it's just too much," says Cindy Mohan, of Old Westbury. "It'll probably make more traffic stopping to collect money from people."

The panel gave its final approval on its recommendations Thursday evening. The New York City Council and state Legislature must still approve the plan. It's expected to generate $500 million a year, which will go toward improving mass transit.

AP wire reports contributed to this story.

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