San José vehicle restrictions suspended for Holy Thursday, Friday

Ticos who usually have to leave their cars at home on Thursdays or Fridays because of vehicle restrictions in San José will get a break during the Easter holiday week.

The Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) announced it would suspend its usual restrictions based on license plate numbers on Holy Thursday, April 2 and Holy Friday, April 3.

Usually, on a vehicle’s restricted day drivers must keep out of the capital’s downtown and outside the Circunvalación, the beltway around the city.

The rotating system will resume on Monday, April 6.

MOPT in previous years suspended vehicle restrictions for the entire week. But President Luis Guillermo Solís signed a decree this year ordering all public agencies to keep working until Wednesday.

“Public workers with pending vacations, however, will be allowed to take days off during this period,” Presidency Minister Melvin Jiménez explained earlier this month.

In spite of the president’s orders, Traffic Police Director Mario Calderón said he expects to see a noticeable decrease in traffic flow in the capital next week.

Calderón said plans for Holy Week include sending 737 inspectors to regulate traffic across the country, mostly on routes to popular tourist destinations.

The fine for violating the capital’s vehicle restriction is ₡21,693 (around $40).