Toll Road Debts in Panama Surpass $5 Million; Crackdown Intensifies

Panama's toll road operator, Empresa Nacional de Autopistas (ENA), is cracking down on drivers with significant outstanding debts, totaling over $5 million. Approximately 80,000 users owe more than $50 each for using the Corredor Norte and Sur toll roads.

ENA, in collaboration with the National Police and the National Directorate of Traffic Operations, is conducting intensified operations to identify and apprehend delinquent drivers and vehicles operating without the mandatory Panapass electronic toll collection system. Drivers caught without the device face immediate fines of $10 for each toll booth they pass.

Eric Zambrano, ENA's Collections Manager, stated that the group of drivers transiting without Panapass also contributes significantly to the debt, with their obligations also surpassing $5 million. This group is a primary target for the current operations, as using the corridors without the device constitutes a traffic violation.

ENA has an information exchange agreement with the Transit and Land Transport Authority (ATTT) to identify vehicle owners and pursue debt collection. Drivers with outstanding balances or Panapass-related fines may face restrictions when attempting to complete procedures with the ATTT until their situation is regularized. ENA urges users with pending payments or those needing to install the Panapass device to visit their customer service centers.

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Drivers are reported to the transit authorities and can receive a fine of $10 for each toll booth passed.