ATM staff conduct violation control for motorists and pedestrians in Guayaquil.

The reduction and abolition of traffic fines in municipal ordinances does not ensure that citizens become aware that they do not commit traffic violations and accidents. (OR)

Jose Ortoneda Sanchez

I believe that this statement is wrong, because every punishment is imposed for breaking the law and citizens are obliged to respect the established laws, be it traffic or for any other reason.

Reducing or eliminating fines, in this case transit, would encourage citizens to continue committing violations, knowing that they can accumulate or that they will be reduced or eliminated at some point. The authorities must think carefully about these actions, which, before introducing order into the traffic, encourage disobedience and non-compliance with the rules established for the benefit of citizens in general. (OR)

Rye Sunday

We read in EL UNIVERSO, last week, that in the first debate – missing one more, the second, for the final acceptance – “the municipal council of Guayaquil approved reductions in twelve traffic offenses sanctioned by local regulations”; that is, it will only apply to this city.

Driving on the Metrovía lane, parking in prohibited places and making two lines on certain streets, (one button: avenues Quito, Malecón Simón Bolívar, etc.), keeping the vehicle stopped at the entire intersection, etc. Such violations in Guayaquil today have high fines of $450; but if the Council approves them in the second debate, they will be greatly reduced. Citizens and transport operators are defending themselves, they are advocating for the reduction of traffic fines and demanding that others be suspended as well. However, drivers of motor vehicles and pedestrians, aware of compliance with municipal ordinances and laws in general, believe that there will be more irresponsibility, damage to the community, traffic violations will not be less; search, better, awareness raising campaign about mobilization, transit, public, students; keep the fines, even if some are expensive. (OR)

Maria Esther de Ramirez

What these councilors of Guayaco will do is to set a bad example for the country, which other provincial councils are emulating and which the citizens of Ecuador are demanding, pressing for reductions in fines to be copied in their cities or for the cancellation of traffic violations.

Certain scoundrels who are used to bad driving will be favored. (OR)