Authorities Reiterate Vehicle Restrictions for Entry into Panama City's Casco Antiguo
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Vehicle access restrictions remain in place for Panama City's historic Casco Antiguo to improve mobility and preserve cultural heritage.
- Authorities are reiterating the rules, as many drivers are still unaware of the regulations, which include fines for non-compliance.
- Specific routes have been modified for large tourist transport buses, directing them to designated parking areas outside the core historic zone.
Panamanian authorities are reminding drivers, merchants, and tourist transport operators that vehicle access restrictions continue to be enforced in the historic Casco Antiguo of Panama City. These measures aim to enhance mobility, improve road safety, and protect the cultural heritage of the sector.
Despite the decree being approved months ago, officials note that many drivers remain unaware of the regulations. The restrictions include a prohibition on entering the Casco Antiguo via Eloy Alfaro Avenue near the Seafood Market roundabout. Authorities warn that non-compliance can result in fines exceeding $100.
Modifications have also been made to the circulation of large tourist transport vehicles. According to Fernando Aranda, head of Traffic Administration, buses with a capacity of over 60 passengers must now enter via Cinta Costera 3 and use the parking facilities at Parque Sur or the designated bus parking area at La Bandera. These changes are intended to reduce traffic congestion within the Casco Antiguo and protect its historic infrastructure.
Officials emphasize that these regulations are crucial for ensuring more orderly movement for residents and visitors in one of the country's primary tourist and heritage destinations. The measures are designed to balance accessibility with the preservation of the unique historical environment.
We urge merchants to respect the adopted measures. Likewise, some changes have been made regarding the route for public tourism transport. Large buses, practically over 60 passengers, must enter via Cinta Costera 3 towards the parking lots located in Parque Sur. Likewise, they must use the bus parking lots that are in the Bandera area.
Originally published by TVN Panamรก in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.