San José With Less Cars, But Same Congestion; Fines Begin Tomorrow!
With the new vehicular restrictions in place, there was a marked drop in the number of cars in downtown San José yesterday morning. However, the usual bottlenecks, especially in front of the Hospital San Juan de Dios were the same.

And several vehicles with their license plate ending in 5 & 6 were visibly circulating during the morning rush hours of 7am and 8:30am. The same was the case for afternoon rush hour of 4pm to 5:30pm.

For the time being Transit officials are only handing out warnings. But come tomorrow - some 10 days ahead of the date announced - Transit officials will be handing ¢5.000 colones fines to drivers who disrespect the restrictions.

Juan Manuel Delgado, director of Tránsito, explained that there was a noticeable difference of volume of traffic on the highways, but downtown San José was the same. Delgado said that the traffic movement in the afternoon was a little better as many who did not respect the new regulation were handed out warning leaflets by Transit officers.

The restrictions are in effect for the next six months, which may be extended if it shows a success in the reduction of traffic congestion in the downtown core and resulting in lower gasoline consumption.

The restricted area is between Avenidas 9 and 16 and Calles 11 and 22. It affects all vehicles circulating the area between 7am and 8:30am and 4pm and 5:30pm depending on the last digit of the license plate.

Vehicles with plates ending in 1 & 2 and restricted on Mondays; 3 & 4 on Tuesdays, 5 & 6 on Wednesdays; 7 & 8 on Thursdays; and, 9 & 0 on Fridays. Taxis, buses and emergency vehicles are exempt.