Mexico State motorcycle traffic regulation enforcement, Digi Mart USA News (Toluca, State of Mexico): The National Chamber of Passenger and Tourism Transportation (Canapat) has called for stronger enforcement of the State of Mexico’s Traffic Regulation over irregularities in motorcycle circulation and their use in committing crimes, particularly cellphone robberies that can lead to extortion and the exposure of victims’ personal information.
Odilón López Nava, Canapat’s delegate in the State of Mexico, said the lack of oversight of motorcyclists has become a concern for the transportation sector because of conduct that affects road safety and criminal cases the group has become aware of. He asked for greater intervention from the state Security and Mobility secretariats.
López Nava said authorities should enforce existing rules governing how these vehicles circulate, rather than allowing infractions that, in his view, contribute to insecurity. He acknowledged that the problem also requires coordination among the agencies responsible for preventing and prosecuting crime.
“Motorcycles are now truly a situation of anarchy. We need the Traffic Regulation to be applied, as in Mexico City, which is in the hands of the Security Secretariat, the Finance Secretariat and the Mobility Secretariat.”
López Nava warned that cellphone robberies committed by people on motorcycles can carry additional consequences for victims. Improper access to devices can expose photos, conversations, contacts and other personal data that may be used for threats, identity theft or extortion.
He said those responsible for these crimes do not necessarily limit themselves to selling stolen devices, and may use stored content to demand money from owners or contact relatives and acquaintances. He urged victims to report incidents and seek authority intervention before complying with any demands.
“They are taking over your private life, so do not fall for those extortions. Report it and trust the authorities, because if you hear about these things you can prevent many more.”
The Canapat delegate acknowledged the participation of the state Security Secretariat, the C5 command center and municipal police forces in responding to reports. However, he said institutional response should be improved and supervision of motorcycles strengthened, especially on roads where conduct contrary to the regulation occurs.
The organization maintained that compliance with traffic rules should be part of a mobility and security strategy for the Toluca Valley and the rest of the State of Mexico. López Nava did not provide statistics on crimes committed with motorcycles, so his statements reflect cases known to the transportation sector.
