Tourists and residents in Zihuatanejo are facing difficulties retrieving their vehicles seized by traffic police for carrying provisional plates issued by the Unión Democrática Campesina (UDC). Despite attempts to pay the imposed fines, authorities have refused to accept payments or return the vehicles, leaving owners uncertain about their whereabouts.
Pilar Paleo Méndez, a tourist from Apatzingán, Michoacán, reported that her white Chevrolet Equinox was seized on Sunday, November 17, while in the process of regularization. Despite efforts to pay the fine, authorities cited “orders from above” and system issues as reasons for not accepting the payment. As of now, the location of her truck remains unknown.
Paleo Méndez, who arrived in Zihuatanejo with her family for a long weekend, recounted that they were stopped by traffic police on their way to La Ropa beach. The police cited the use of UDC license plates, which are prohibited in the municipality, as the reason for the seizure. The family was forced to walk back to their hotel while trying to resolve the issue.
Similar Cases
José Eduardo Arroyo Cruz, another resident of Apatzingán, faced a similar situation when his truck was seized on the same day. Despite multiple attempts to pay the fine, authorities have refused to accept his payment.
Other affected individuals, including Juan Carlos Ramírez Sotelo, José Ángel Moreno López, and Mario Mancilla, along with UDC representative Mauricio Gasca Toledo, reported similar experiences. They highlighted inconsistencies in the infractions, with some citations stating they were driving without license plates and others claiming the plates were unauthorized by the state government.
UDC’s Response
UDC leader Mauricio Gasca criticized the Zihuatanejo municipal government for targeting vehicles in the process of regularization. He noted that UDC operates in 16 states without issues, except in Guerrero. Gasca called for the vehicles to be presented to the appropriate authorities if any irregularities exist, but so far, the vehicles have not been made available, and fines have not been accepted.
Gasca has requested an urgent hearing with Mayor Lizzete Tapia Castro and Carlos Cedas, the municipal director of Public Safety and Traffic, to address the issue. He warned that if no positive response is received, he may seek support from other national and state civil organizations to protest against these arbitrary actions.
Source: El Sur
