Cali extends odd-even "pico y placa" traffic restriction until August 22

Cali's "pico y placa" measure, which restricts vehicle circulation based on odd and even license plates, will remain in effect until Saturday, August 22. The measure, initially implemented as an emergency response, is being extended to address the ongoing situation following a recent earthquake that affected the city.

Sergio Moncayo Velásquez, the Secretary of Mobility, explained that the restriction is crucial for ensuring the operational capacity of rescue teams and heavy machinery involved in the earthquake's aftermath. The city is dealing with a substantial increase in construction and demolition debris, with daily removal efforts escalating from a normal 300-600 tons to 3,000-4,000 tons per day.

To facilitate the movement of this heavy machinery, such as dump trucks and cranes, authorities have even temporarily removed traffic lights on key routes. Additionally, over 53 areas in the urban zone remain closed or have diversions due to the risk of structural collapse. Emergency crews, surveyors, and structural engineers are actively inspecting buildings and infrastructure in these affected zones.

While the district administration acknowledges the importance of revitalizing local commerce and daily mobility, the Mobility Secretariat stressed that the restriction is indispensable for operational safety. The situation is being monitored daily, and any changes in technical conditions will lead to the timely lifting of the measure.

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the measure responds directly to the contingency generated by the recent earthquake that affected the capital of Valle del Cauca and the need to guarantee the operability of relief agencies and heavy machinery on the roads.