Panama City’s botched vehicle registration plans have been given a third starting date.

The Municipal Council, headed by Mayor Bosco Vallarino, who is advised by legislator  Jose Blandon, decided Tuesday, March 2. to implement the new fees on April 18.
 
Municipal Treasurer Marion Lorenzetti said that the delay will allow officials to disseminate information about the new charges to city residents.

Blandon held a press conference in December to announce the introduction of the increased rates. There was an outcry when the rush to publish revealed that owners of high priced vehicles were to be taxed on the ticket price at the time of purchase. Meetings were held with insurance groups and the rules were amended.

In the meantime the city ran into trouble with the businessmen and the national government over its plans to introduce other new taxes. The anger grew, when the mayor refused to answer questions at a meeting called by the Chamber of Commerce.