An investigation into valet parking operators in Guadalajara has revealed that less than 20 percent meet the necessary requirements to operate.
State Transport (Semov) Director Mario Silva Rodríguez announced that only 32 of 168 firms registered with state authorities comply with existing regulations, and many employees even lack a valid driver’s licence or insurance.
Nine firms have been closed down as a result of the Transport Department’s sweeping investigation.
Spot inspections began in October 2015 and brought a range of infractions to light, from parking on sidewalks to wrong-way driving and speeding. Several incidents of valet attendants crashing vehicles they were parking were reported in Guadalajara area newspapers last year.
Most irregularities were noted in the city center and the nearby neighborhoods of Chapalita, Providencia and Americana.
Currently, valet parking operators need to meet 18 requirements, the two most important of which are the possession of a valid licence and insurance. In the event of an accident or robbery, car owners may be held liable if a valet parking operator lacks legal documentation.
Silva Rodríguez said he hoped the investigation would encourage better practice and force firms to renew insurance policies and make sure all their employees have licences.