The search for solutions that improve the mobility of people on the roads and streets of the country should not only respond to an exhaustive analysis of the deficiencies of public transport in the country, but these exits can incorporate other criteria that contribute to improving the quality of life of the person, reason why the restriction of the movement of vehicles during peak hours should take into account the age of the vehicles, as proposed by the National Association for Sustainable Mobility (Andemos).
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With this, says Oliverio García, President of the union, not only can serious mobility problems that overwhelm citizens in most of the national territory be faced, but also the environmental problem resulting from a greater circulation of vehicles can be attacked. contaminants, since it is suggested to consider circulation measures based on environmental criteria, since The average age of 6.6 million motor vehicles in the country is 17.5 years, and 60 percent of the vehicle fleet is over 10 years old..
“Implementing restriction measures based on the age of the vehicle would not only contribute to improving mobility, but also to the quality of life of citizens,” says the expert.
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The proposal arises in the midst of the debate on the restriction of the use of vehicles
individuals in peak hours Colombia that Wiiliam Camargo, Minister of Transportation, made the previous Saturday.
From different sectors of the economy, experts spoke out rejecting this proposal, arguing that Colombia lacks a sufficient supply of public transport that can cover the demand that would be generated with the initiative of Minister Camargo, but also, the little that exists is far from being efficient, comfortable, of quality and, above all, safe for citizens, factors that today make them prefer to use private vehicles to travel every day to meet their different needs. obligations and commitments.
Vehicles, especially those that use diesel such as buses and trucks, are responsible for 95 percent of air pollution in the city, according to Corpocaldas.
The model proposed by Andemos It is applied in cities such as Madrid (Spain), Santiago de Chile and Mexico City, which do not only face the environmental problem and congestion through the restriction to older vehicles.
“In the case of Colombia, this measure would make it possible to renew the vehicle fleet for cleaner and safer vehicles in a sector of vital importance to the economy, which contributes 160 billion pesos in chained added values,” says García.
The union manager is aware of the urgent need to find solutions that promote sustainable transport systems and reduce congestion
vehicle to improve the quality of life. However, he points out that It is important in this search to consider the implications of reducing the use of all private vehicles, especially at rush hour.
It also highlights that today the supply of taxis is not enough to meet the demand, which makes the use of private vehicles necessary. And he says other transportation alternatives, like walking or biking, aren’t viable for all commuting needs.
Thus, proposals such as that of Minister Camargo without carrying out an exhaustive analysis of the deficiencies of public transport could generate a
Series of inconveniences for the population. He mentions, for example, those who depend on their vehicles to get to work, take their children to school or perform daily tasks would be greatly affected.
besides, vulnerable groups such as the elderly or people with mobility
reduced may face difficulties accessing essential services or fully participating in social life, says Garcia de Andemos.
For this reason, consider that, before advancing on initiatives like this, it is urgent to improve and strengthen public transport, which implies investing in adequate infrastructure, increasing the frequency and punctuality of services, improving safety in transport networks and guaranteeing coverage complete and equitable for all citizens.
