If you’re out and about in the Chapala area these days, you might have the impression that local traffic officers are hounding motorists who violate the rules of the road.
You’d be right on that count. And if you’re really observant, you’ll notice that it’s a matter of equal opportunity enforcement, with as many or more Mexican drivers targeted than those of foreign extraction.
Since taking charge of the lakeside branch of the Secretaria de Movilidad (SeMov) last March, Commander Eduardo Miranda Moreno has been pushing a zero-tolerance policy on common traffic violations. Interviewed by the Reporter this week, he stressed that the 30-percent increase in issuance in traffic tickets – called cédulas or folios in Spanish – registered under his watch demonstrates that the crackdown is working.
SeMov patrol officers have significantly beefed up vigilance on the Chapala-Jocotepec highway, the Libramiento by-pass and Chapala’s central avenues to spot motorists guilty of speeding, running traffic lights, making illegal turns, riding without fastened seat belts, talking on cell phones, traveling on motorcycles without protective helmets, driving with children or pets in their laps, illegal parking, and other frequent transgressions.
The traffic department agents are also on the lookout for vehicles lacking either a current sticker issued for payment of the 2015 refrendo (registration fee) due by May 1, or an up-to-date verificación vehicular (emissions test) hologram.
The commander is emphatic in insisting that local motorists refrain from perpetuating the deeply-engrained practice of paying on-the-spot mordidas (bribes). It’s a situation that can go both ways, initiated by unscrupulous traffic cops and drivers alike. Recalling his first days on the job, Miranda said he was shocked when an expat stopped for blowing through a red light literally threw a 500-peso bill in his face.
Miranda urges motorists who are subjected to police abuse to immediately call the SeMov headquarters at 765-4747 to request intervention by the commanding officer on duty. Alternately, they are welcome to visit the office to register a complaint. “If people don’t report corruption, I have no way of knowing it’s going on,” he remarked.
Persons who are hesitant to report grievances directly to the chief have the choice of filling complaint forms available at the Lake Chapala Society and the local branch of Chamber of Commerce.
See next week’s edition of the Reporter for details about emission testing and official traffic fines.