Drivers using Panama’s major highways owe more than 8 million dollars in unpaid tolls to the country’s National Highways Company. Officials from the state-owned company, known as ENA, reported the massive delinquency this week despite recent efforts to improve collection. The debt poses a significant challenge for maintaining the nation’s vital road corridors.<\/p>\n
The figures break down into two primary categories. Eric Zambrano, ENA’s collections manager, stated that drivers formally enrolled in the Panapass electronic toll system currently owe approximately 8 million dollars. A separate group of unaffiliated or unregistered vehicle operators has accumulated an additional 7 million dollars in unpaid tolls. While the company notes a slight recent decrease in overdue amounts, the total debt remains stubbornly high.<\/p>\n
Zambrano emphasized the company’s ongoing work to address the issue. He explained that ENA has strengthened its strategies to make payment easier for all users. The collections department is now more available for balance inquiries and consultations. Digital tools for electronic account top-ups and management have also been expanded to provide greater convenience.<\/p>\n
“We have reinforced strategies to facilitate payment for users, making the collections department available for queries and balance verification, as well as digital tools that allow for electronic top-ups and more agile account management,” said Eric Zambrano, ENA Collections Manager. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
New informational screens installed along key highway sections now notify drivers in real time. These digital displays, visible on the North, East, and South corridors, alert motorists about their payment status and any existing debts with the company. The immediate notification is part of a broader push to encourage compliance before drivers incur penalties.<\/p>\n
Here a video from when the installation started around 11 years ago:<\/p>\n