Good care car parkers exit Casco Viejo

VISITORS to Casco Viejo who for years have been plagued by  men and boys who appear to spring out of nowhere demanding money for providing   “bien cuidao” (good care)  to car drivers, saw a change  starting March 1, when the pracice was banned under a new plan introduced by the mayor’s office.

Ten who tried to continue ,were ticketed and fined.

Out of a total of 60 parking attendants Old Town, 37 agreed to train for a different 23 completed the course at the National Institute of Vocational Training for Human Development (Inadeh) says ,Panama’  Municipality of Panama.

Research  by local media showed that some operators earned
up to $ 800 a month, which represents a salary for many local  professionals

From Monday to Wednesday drivers could make their own decision on what to pay  but on the next four days  there was a $5 minimum for parking on a public road, and allegedly caring for the vehicle,
Deputy Mayor, Raisa Bandfield said that eight men were hired in the Directorate of Municipal Works, where they earn a salary of $500.

Three others are working for the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), two in Casco Parking (a parking service company) and the rest will enter a labor pool
Some former operators have planned  street car washing activities but the city says this is also prohibited.
“They cannot wash cars or things will continue as before” said  Bandfield.

David Gordon, mayor of San Felipe, said the administrative offense will be punished by the magistrate on duty and can earn  up to 365 days commutable arrest.