Solving the illegal parking problem

If  Panama’s mayor Bosco Vallarino is a fan of YouTube he may have found the answer to one of Panama’s  traffic problems … illegal parking, even when there is available space in a an adjacent  parking lot.

 In many cases cars park on corners, making it impossible for drivers  to see oncoming traffic at intersections.

Some regular offenders  block sight lines  on Ave Cuba, near the National Hospital, which has two parking lots and a shuttle bus service to take those who can’t manage a score or so meters of walking back to their cars.

Other offenders are those versed in the law, who regularly block roads around the College of Lawyers. During a recent  law society election campaign,  luxury SUV’s blocked corners for blocks around as they headed for the street party, where ghetto blasters boomed and a band played, next to a street with signs warning no noise because of the adjacent Santo Tomas Hospital.

In the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius they have cycling lanes, which are viewed by Some drivers as an open invitation to park their  luxury cars.

The cycling lanes (a distant dream in Panama’s jammed streets) have led  to an  eternal battle between bicycle and car which  has taken a disturbing turn for drivers after the mayor unveiled his new policy for keeping the lanes clear …  crushing offending cars with an armored vehicle.

In a video posted on the city council’s website, mayor Arturas Zuokas, complains about the owners of luxury cars who believe they are above the law and constantly park in bicycle lanes.

While traveling in   an   eight wheeled armored car, driven by  apolice officer, he sees a Mercedes, which is promptly written off.. He says: "That's what will happen if you park your car illegally." 

But in Panams, who would  collect the abandoned vehicle?