Ciudad del Este: motorcycles on walkways and disrespect for pedestrians

Disregard for traffic regulations has become routine practice in the city's busiest areas. Mototaxi drivers and alternative transportation services are the most questioned: they do not reduce speed at pedestrian crossings and intimidate tourists with aggressive language, according to reporting by Paraguayan outlet La Clave.

The most critical points are the pedestrian crossings scattered throughout downtown and the walkways at kilometer 7 and kilometer 9 of Route PY02, transformed into motorcycle tracks. The dispute for space also involves merchants, who display merchandise beyond permitted limits, forcing pedestrians to walk on streets amid traffic.

According to internet users cited by the publication, the problem is not lack of knowledge of the rules, but lack of effective enforcement. The issuance of driver's licenses does not involve adequate testing, and there is no temporary or permanent suspension of offenders. According to the Road Traffic Department, the infraction against pedestrians is fined at ten minimum wages, equivalent to G. 1,076,270 according to the current wage.

Readers point out that behavior changes when crossing into Brazil, where the same drivers respect the rules. The conclusion is that infractions result from lack of political will and insufficient fear of punishment.

Source: La Clave (cited reporting)