Local motorists would do well to be on their best behavior as Chapala traffic police continue a crackdown on violations of the municipal traffic code.
According to Tránsito Chief Gerardo Bautista Mejía, as of March 25 officers had written up more than 75 tickets for assorted parking and moving infractions. In some cases, wayward drivers have been let off with warnings for minor transgressions, while others have had their vehicles towed and impounded for more serious or multiple offenses.
Bautista indicated that traffic officers are targeting regulations for motorcycles, especially looking out for drivers and passengers who ride around without protective helmets. The bikes are subject to impoundment if the driver is missing more than one of the requisite documents, such as current registration, license tags and a specific driving permit.
Tránsito patrols are making regular rounds on Chapala’s Avenida Madero to combat double parking that commonly congests the central thoroughfare. Vehicles found blocking exclusive parking spaces, carports, crosswalks or traffic lanes may be towed if drivers don’t appear promptly.
Bautista mentioned the case of an SUV bearing Canadian plates that was reported Saturday, March 23 for obstructing Ajijic’s narrow Calle Independencia by not being parked close to the curb.
“We waited there for around an hour, using the patrol’s loudspeaker to try to locate the driver before she finally appeared. We would have simply issued a ticket and let her go if she hadn’t offered me a payoff. That is why we called the tow truck to remove the car,” he stated.
Officers interviewed by this newspaper confirm that the chief has ordered them to follow a strict no mordida (bribe) policy. Motorists who believe they have been intimidated or treated unfairly may lodge complaints with the municipality’s legal department at Chapala city hall.