Tour operators are reporting that the increased amount of traffic fines are having a direct negative impact on tourism.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
From a press release:
ACAR and CANATUR request urgent Transit Law Reform
• High number of traffic violations captured by cameras could lead to bankruptcy for companies providing car hire services
• 30% of visitors use car rental services.
The National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) and the Costa Rican Association of Auto Annuitants (ACAR), have requested that the Legislature make an urgent review and approve an amendment to the Transit Act presented by the executive, which is currently in effect, with the aim of reducing the amounts for fines for traffic violations captured by cameras located on different highways.
The main reasons for this request, made by both ACAR and CANATUR, is the negative effect it is having on tourism, car rentals being the most affected areas, to the point that it may lead to bankruptcy for companies providing this service.
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The mayor of Panama City is looking to hire areas to use as public parking lots.
Due to the fact that of the 30 lots found by the Mayor for renting out to be used as parking lots only one of the owners has shown interest, the institution is still searching for places to establish parking spaces in the city.
Car rental agencies in Panama have described the contract signed by the government with the company Traffic Safety as harmful to the state and the private sector.
Traffic Safety in Panama operates traffic surveillance cameras in Panama City.
In the lawsuit filed before the Supreme Court of Justice, the union which represents vehicle leasing companies argues that the contract is "onerous" and "harmful" for both the state and individuals, and specially for those renting cars.
The Deputy Minister of Transport of El Salvador has delayed for up to eight months permits for tourist transport vehicles.
Tour Operators meeting in the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (CASATUR), denounced the delay in the delivery of operation permits by the Vice Ministry of Transportation (VMT) and harassment by the Transit Police.