Lima to Impose S/750 Fine for Public Urination

The Metropolitan Municipality of Lima (MML) is set to significantly increase the fine for public urination, raising it from S/250 to S/750. This new penalty, which represents 15% of a Tax Unit (UIT), is expected to be implemented within one to two weeks as the municipal ordinance undergoes modification. The initiative is a key component of the MML's campaign, "Everything Has Its Place," aimed at curbing the inappropriate use of streets and public squares as restrooms and enhancing sanitation efforts in Lima's historic Cercado district.

Hector Salvatierra, the municipality's deputy manager for citizen services, stated that the current S/250 fine is insufficient to deter the behavior. He explained that the updated ordinance will bring the penalty to 15% of the UIT. The MML has identified over 120 critical areas within Cercado that require continuous cleaning and disinfection due to recurring public urination. To address these sites, the municipality deploys washing crews operating 24 hours a day, utilizing approximately 8,000 liters of water per cleaning shift, along with personnel, machinery, and fuel.

Lima is increasing the fine to discourage a practice that negatively impacts public spaces and community living. Urine not only creates foul odors but can also damage structures through substances like ammonia and harm green areas. The municipality views these areas as potential health hazards that can attract insects. Recent interventions have targeted spots like Plaza San Martín, where 20 workers and two water trucks were deployed for cleaning and disinfection to eliminate makeshift latrines.

In conjunction with the increased penalty, the MML is reminding the public about available public restrooms. Facilities are located at key points in the city center, including the Mercado Central, Mesa Redonda, and Las Malvinas, as well as along pedestrian routes like Huallaga, Junín, Ica, and Ucayali. The municipality hopes these measures will encourage proper use of facilities and improve the overall condition of public spaces.

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Currently, the fine reaches 250 soles, but in the course of one or two weeks the new fine should be released, which is being modified in the ordinance, to 15% of the UIT.