Officials: Runway Towing's ability to operate has expired

NEW YORK -- New York City's Department of Consumer and Work Protection confirms Runway Towing's temporary license and their ability to operate has officially expired.

This comes after an appellate court denied the company's motion to stay in business.

READ MORE: Appellate court rules NYC can sever ties with Runway Towing, accused of overcharging customers

The Queens towing company is accused of overcharging customers. It's a story CBS2 has been investigating since 2020.

For years, Runway has had an exclusive contract with the city to keep nine highways clear.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Lawsuit filed against NYC towing company accused of deceiving thousands of customers

Consumers filed a class action lawsuit, saying the company overcharged them and held their vehicles hostage.

In a statement, Runway said in part, "The penalty of a lifetime ban is so disproportionate as to shock the conscience. Runway did not deserve this fate for what amounts to parking tickets."