In an unprecedented scenario, Costa Rican vehicle seizure facilities, including eight from Cosevi and four Traffic Police locations, are grappling with an enormous volume of unclaimed vehicles. A staggering 58,000 seized vehicles sit unclaimed, amounting to 150% of the storage capacity across these sites, creating an immediate need for a viable solution.
Unclaimed Vehicles Disrupt Traffic Policing
The vehicle overflow dilemma has imposed a significant barrier to the operations of the Traffic Police. The law enforcement agency finds itself handcuffed in their ability to seize vehicles involved in illegal activities due to lack of space. As a result, law-breaking drivers continue to roam the streets, fostering a more dangerous environment for responsible motorists.
Cosevi’s Executive Director Seeks Assistance
Cindy Coto Calvo, the Executive Director of Cosevi, took proactive steps to address the burgeoning crisis. She reached out to the Attorney General’s Office seeking advice on decommissioning the unclaimed vehicles. However, the process was tangled with complications, primarily linked to outstanding fees such as rights to circulation. The looming financial burden of canceling these fees sparked a debate about whether Cosevi should bear the responsibility.
Cosevi Given Green Light to Decommission Vehicles
Fortunately, the response from the Attorney General’s Office has presented a glimmer of hope. Cosevi received approval to decommission the unclaimed vehicles without the obligation of covering the outstanding fees tied to the abandoned vehicles’ owners. This decision applies even if the vehicles have pending liens, tax annotations, or insurance dues.
The Financial Strain of Unclaimed Seized Vehicles
The financial burden of maintaining seized vehicle facilities is not to be underestimated. The authorities incur a whopping ¢1,091 million each year to manage facilities for unclaimed seized vehicles. As such, this new decree permitting Cosevi to decommission these vehicles without settling the outstanding fees could potentially ease this economic strain.
The surging unclaimed vehicle crisis is placing a tremendous strain on Costa Rican vehicle storage facilities and impeding regular Traffic Police operations. The recent green light to decommission these vehicles without paying off outstanding fees might provide a much-needed breakthrough in this challenging situation. The authorities are hopeful that this step will initiate a smoother functioning of law enforcement and reduce the annual maintenance costs of these facilities.
