109 drivers were fined ¢245,000 each for running red lights, according to the Traffic Police. These drivers also received four points on their licenses after being observed by traffic officers failing to stop at red signals.
Subdirector of the Traffic Police, Martín Sánchez Agüero, commented: “They will clearly be bothered by the fine, but we are glad that despite not respecting the traffic light they did not cause an accident which, depending on speed or victim, can be fatal; such a victim could be a pedestrian, a cyclist or the driver of a vehicle or even a baby traveling in the back seat of a car that was hit from the side by an irresponsible person.”
In addition to those cited for running red lights, nine other drivers were fined for ignoring stop signs. They received the same penalty as those who failed to stop at red lights.
Sánchez added: “When inappropriate behavior exposes the offender to risk we regret it very much, but when this irresponsibility puts innocent people at risk it is truly outrageous. That is why we call for common sense, prudence and empathy, understanding that next week hundreds of thousands of children and adolescents will return to the streets as they travel to educational centers.”
The Traffic Police urged drivers to leave home earlier during school season due to increased traffic. Authorities reminded motorists that allowing extra time could help prevent risky behaviors such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals.
