Lima impounds 27 vehicles for informal transport, drivers lacking licenses

Authorities in Lima, Peru, have taken strong action against informal transportation, with the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao (ATU) impounding 27 vehicles during simultaneous operations. These actions targeted high-traffic areas, including the Civic Center and Dos de Mayo Square, aiming to reduce the prevalence of unregulated services.

The impounded vehicles were found to be operating without proper authorization. A significant number of drivers lacked valid licenses, and some vehicles were operating with expired permits or in non-compliance with service categories. One vehicle, a car operating as a collective and taxi, was found to be 34 years old, highlighting the use of outdated vehicles in Lima's urban transport system.

Further interventions at Dos de Mayo Square resulted in 16 additional vehicles being sent to the municipal depot. Even authorized vehicles often had expired licenses or incorrect service categories. The ATU reported instances of drivers without licenses and vehicles in poor operating condition, including a 30-year-old combi with an expired insurance policy. These ongoing enforcement efforts are part of a sustained campaign to improve formal transport services in Lima and Callao.