Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – Residents and tourists in Puerto Vallarta were left stranded as protests against the new vehicle and emissions inspections by the Government of Jalisco disrupted city life on March 30. That scenario will return this week, assures protestors.
Demonstrators claim that the program does not help the environment and is only a cash cow for the state government.
On March 31, protestors closed Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue, one of the main streets serving the city and connecting the center of the tourist destination with the Riviera Narayit and the airport. The closure caused chaos, with hundreds of tourists missing their flights and dozens of flights being delayed. Residents were also affected as public transport was halted, leaving them without a means to move about the city or arrive at work.
The chaos of that day will be repeated on Friday, April 21, at 9:00 am, as protestors return to the streets, in the vicinity of the Responsible Verification Center, to demand the modification of the “collection program.” The complainants assure that the demonstration will be peaceful and asked for the support of all those who are against the vehicle verification program.
The program of the Government of Jalisco has provoked animosity among some Vallarta citizens, with cases claiming that the tests have damaged their cars and that staff isn’t properly trained, without receiving a response from the authorities to take responsibility for the damages. The local authorities have also had disputes with the state authorities and have tried to close the inspection center, only for state police to arrive and protect the operations.
The Governor of Jalisco has affirmed that “we respect the right of those who protest,” but claims that the complaints are motivated by partisan interests, stating that “the verification is going forward.” The government has accused the mechanics’ union of being behind the protests, claiming that they are trying to create controversy and retain the right to line their pockets with black market inspection stickers.
The ongoing protests have left Puerto Vallarta’s residents and businesses frustrated and affected by the disruptions caused. The conflict between the protestors and the government shows no sign of being resolved anytime soon, with both sides unwilling to back down from their positions. The only certainty is that road chaos will be a theme during these protests and individuals who need to move around the city should make plans and give themselves enough time.
