San José driving restrictions to go all day

Driving restrictions will switch to 24-hour periods, possibly within the coming week, according to one government official.

Public Works and Transport Vice Minister Viviana Martin said Wednesday that the new all-day restrictions will go into effect as soon as the decree is published in La Gaceta, the official government.

Freight vehicles will be exempted from the new decree, Martin said.

Previously, drivers were prohibited from entering downtown San José and the Circunvalación, a route tracing the perimeter of the capital, according to day of the week, hour and last number of their license plate.

The initial schedule was from 6-8:30 a.m. and from 4:30-7 p.m.

By the ministry´s count, transit police have issued an average of 700-750 tickets per day since the decree was first enacted June 26. Each ticket is for ¢5,000 (roughly $9.70).

Presidency Ministry Rodrigo Arias said President Oscar Arias´ administration will also send guidelines to all public offices urging employees to carpool when they go on official trips. Public vehicles, except for police cars and ambulances, will be included in the driving restrictions.