With the ability to notify drivers of traffic infractions, the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI) can now set their eyes on reviving the highway traffic camera program.
The Ley de Transito that went into effect on October 2012 allowed the creation of a Dirección Electrónica Vial (DEV) – a database of email contacts – that can be used to “officially” notify speeding drivers picked off by the traffic cameras. The DEV will also be used for all “official” notifications.
If you will recall, it was two years ago when the COSEVI installed and put into operation a series of traffic cameras to control speeding on the major routes. The program was suspended within weeks, when drivers caught speeding questioned the legality of the fine.
Earlier this year, on two separate occasions, the COSEVI announced the cameras were coming back in March and the April.
Some – thousands – paid their fines promptly, many more didn’t. Nor did they heed the notices published in the local papers. Finally, all was forgiven, awaiting a new law. Those who paid reinforced that in Costa Rica it does not pay to be first in anything or obey laws. See It Doesn’t Pay To Be The First in Costa Rica In Anything.
The new Ley de Transito requires every licensed driver to register their email with the COSEVI. The email will then be used for notification by the COSEVI. Drivers who don’t register their email by October 26, for simplicity sake, will be assigned one. The assignation will mean that COSEVI will have duly notified the driver, even though the driver never got any notification.
According to German Valverde, director of the COSEVI, all that is missing now is a proposal from the state telecom, Radiográfica Costarricense (RACSA).
Valverde did not give a date when the cameras will begin operating again.
To register you email with the COSEVI see this post.
Source: Traffic Law Costa Rica
