Government Wants Police Back in National Road Control

Ecuador's government wants the National Police to play a larger role on the country's roads.

El Universo reports that Interior Minister John Reimberg appeared before the Assembly's Economic Development Commission to discuss reforms to the Transit and Road Safety Law.

The proposal would let the Police recover control of the national road network and intervene in transit agencies under certain conditions.

What the Proposal Includes

El Universo reports the reforms include an interinstitutional cooperation program so the National Police can access toll-road videos and images to identify vehicles involved in crimes.

Reimberg said the National Police currently covers 81% of the state road network and the goal is to eventually reach 100%.

The proposal would allow the National Police's traffic-control directorate to control the state road network, arterial corridors and collector roads, except urban areas under municipal traffic-control jurisdiction.

The minister also said the Interior Ministry and National Police could intervene in cantonal transit agencies when there are corruption alerts or irregularities.

What This Means for Expats

For residents who drive between cities, this is a road-safety and enforcement story.

It is not law yet. But if the reform advances, expect more national-level police control on highways, more use of toll-camera footage, and more scrutiny of transit agencies where irregularities are alleged.

Source: El Universo