The Panamanian Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) is now analyzing the potential implementation of an automated traffic enforcement camera system. Director Simon Henríquez confirmed the evaluation phase this week, stating the goal is to improve road safety and order nationwide.
This initiative, often referred to as a “fotomulta” system, would target common violations like running red lights and blocking intersections. The project represents a renewed effort to deploy technology already installed on some roadways but not yet activated for issuing penalties.
Focus on Education and Transparency in New System
Henríquez emphasized that coordination with the Government Innovation Authority (AIG) is crucial to ensure a transparent and digital process. He stated the system’s initial phase would prioritize educating drivers over punitive measures. The director acknowledged previous announcements for such a system failed due to a lack of proper inter-agency coordination, a step now being corrected.
“The photo fine does not seek to punish, but to generate awareness in the driver about the faults that are committed,” said ATTT Director Simon Henríquez. [Translated from Spanish]
He detailed that the program aims to correct specific dangerous behaviors. These include invading pedestrian crosswalks, making improper turns, and blocking intersections, actions that disrupt traffic flow and increase accident risks. A traffic enforcement camera system automates the detection of these and other violations like speeding.
Implementation Timeline and Pilot Program Plans
No definitive start date for the automated ticketing system has been set. Technical meetings are ongoing to select intersections for a pilot program. Henríquez confirmed the system will begin with a testing period where the public will be fully informed to measure its impact on traffic improvement in chosen zones.
The director assured the public that the renewed process focuses on transparency, violation traceability, and public access to information. This move aligns with broader technological initiatives recently pushed by the Government of Panama to modernize public services.
Many of the necessary cameras are already installed on various Panamanian roads but have never been used to issue sanctions. Activating them would mark a significant shift in the country’s traffic management strategy, moving towards automated monitoring to supplement physical patrols.
Broader Traffic Safety Strategy Includes New Signage
Separate from the camera evaluation, Henríquez addressed recent roadway improvements. New signage and traffic ordering in areas like Parque Lefevre and Río Abajo were completed in conjunction with local community boards. These actions responded to citizen complaints and an analysis of accident data to identify needs for new signs or traffic lights.
A new pedestrian traffic light was also installed in the Pan de Azúcar sector of San Miguelito following resident requests. Henríquez cited the Multiplaza area as an example where a lack of traffic officers and police at night has led to speeding and pedestrian strikes, a leading cause of traffic accidents nationally.
The ATTT reiterated that all these measures form part of a comprehensive strategy. The goal is to reduce traffic fatalities, reinforce driver education, and protect the lives of pedestrians and all road users. Reducing every type of traffic violation is central to this safety mission.
Officials hope the combined approach of physical infrastructure upgrades and potential automated enforcement will create a lasting improvement in Panama’s road safety culture. The coming months will determine the final framework and launch schedule for the long-discussed camera system.