Before you leave home, check if your car is allowed to travel due to the so-called vehicle restriction program Peak and Plate This Tuesday, December 3 i Bogota.
The Pico y Placa is different depending on the day of the week, sometiems according to the time and even the type of vehicle, whether private, motorbike, taxi, public transport or cargo.
The program aims to reduce vehicle circulation, within the framework of a extensive program to reduce vehicle traffic, as well as high levels of environmental pollution in the city.
Since 1998, the Pico y Placa has been operating in Bogotá, that is, it has been operating for more than two decades. This is the restricted schedule for this June 8, according to the city mayor’s office.
Private: 6-7-8-9-0
Taxis: 1-2
Motorcycles: Not applicable
Special Transport Service: 1-2
Common Public Transport: Not applicable
Load more than 20 years old: All
Maximum load weight over 3,500kg: All
Maximum load weight over 8,500kg: All
The vehicle restriction hours start at 5:30 am for taxis and special transport,and for private cars it starts until 6:00 am The vehicle restriction ends at 9.00 pm
For them, freight vehicles have two Peak and Plate schedules, the first from 6:00 am to 8:00 am and the second from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
The implementation of the vehicle restriction program called Pico y Placa is different from January 10, 2023 in the city of the country.
Private vehicles will no longer be divided into odd or even numbers, depending on the end of their license plate, but into consecutive numbers, that is, the first group will consist of those cars whose last digit is 1 on the license plate. , 2, 3, 4 or 5 and the second group are those ending in 6, 7, 8, 9 or 0.
Now, private cars ending in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 will not be in circulation on even days. While those ending in 6, 7, 8, 9 or 0 will not be able to travel on odd days.
pico y Placa hours will remain the same for private vehicles: from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday to friday, except at weekends and holidays.
In the case of taxis and special transport service vehicles, the ban on vehicles will remain the same, defined in a group of two: 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, 9 and 0. These are restricted Two car types change every week, so it’s vital to stay up to date.
Meanwhile, cargo vehicles are not allowed to travel during the Pico y Placa prohibition hours, thay can only travel on Saturdays, but also depending on the weight and age of the transport.
Unlike private vehicles, taxis, special transport and freight services, the vehicle restriction applies from Monday to friday.
these are electric, hybrid, zero-emission vehicles, motorcycles, diplomatic service vehicles, funeral homes, emergency and security vehicles, those transporting disabled people, traffic control and towing trucks, media vehicles, judicial authorities, school transport, those intended for car education and those with an occupancy of three or more people from the beginning to the end of the journey.
In order for your car to benefit from the exception, that is, that it’s circulation is not affected through the Pico y Placa, it must be previously registered with the Secretariat of Mobility of Bogotá.
If your car is not on the exception list, but you want to circulate it every day in Bogotá, you have the possibility to apply for the so-called Pico y Placa Solidario, a permit that allows drivers to choose the days, the weeks. or months in which you can move freely around the city in exchange for a financial contribution, intended to improve the Colombian city’s Integrated Public Transport System.
along with the conventional vehicle restriction, in Bogotá there is another one called Pico y Placa Regional, which applies on the last day of every holiday weekend in the nine entrance corridors to the Colombian city.
The restriction for vehicles whose plates end in an odd number is from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, while for cars with even number plates the ban starts at 4:00 pm and ends at 8:00 pm.
North Road: from the toll booth of the andes to the North portal.
Southern Highway: from Soacha city limit to Boyacá Avenue.
centenario Avenue (13th Street): from Bogotá River to Ciudad de Cali Avenue (carrera 86 Avenue).
Avenue 80 Street: from Guadua bridge to portal 80.
Carrera Avenue 7: from 245th Street to 183rd Street.
Avenue Boyacá via Llano: from the Algerino Durán Quintero tunnel to the old road to Llano.
Three Suba Cotas: from the Bogotá River to 170th Street Avenue.
Via Calera: from the Patios tollway to Carrera 7 avenue.
Route to Choachi: from the road to monserrate to the ring road.
The exception vehicles that do not apply to the Regional Pin and Plate are those with three or more occupants, those of medical personnel, or those with the Peak and Solidarity Plate.
in the case of violating the pico y Placa in any of its versions,the Bogotá authorities have a system of economic sanctions.
The fine during 2023 is 522,900 Colombian pesos,in addition the car will be immobilized,as shown in the National Traffic Code for violation C.14.
what impact has the Pico y Placa program had on air quality and traffic congestion in Bogotá?
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to today’s interview! We’re excited to have Dr.Maria Gomez, an urban transportation expert, wiht us to discuss Bogotá’s Pico y Placa program. Dr. Gomez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Maria gomez (DMG): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an critically important initiative.
TNE: Absolutely! For our readers who might not be familiar, could you give us a brief overview of what Pico y Placa entails and the goals behind it?
DMG: Certainly! Pico y Placa is a vehicle restriction program implemented in Bogotá since 1998. Its main objective is to reduce traffic congestion and combat high levels of environmental pollution in the city. The program restricts certain vehicles from being on the road during peak hours based on the last digit of their license plates. This varies each day and is tailored to include different categories, like private cars, taxis, and public transport.
TNE: It sounds like a complex system. You mentioned that it affects various types of vehicles differently. Can you elaborate on that?
DMG: Of course! The restrictions differ depending on the vehicle type and the day of the week. Such as, private vehicles are now divided into two groups: those with plates ending in 1 to 5 and those ending in 6 to 0.Vehicles ending in 1 to 5 cannot circulate on even days,while those ending in 6 to 0 are restricted on odd days. taxis and special transport services have slightly different restrictions that apply during peak hours.
TNE: That is quite nuanced! How effective has Pico y Placa been in achieving its goals since its implementation in Bogotá?
DMG: Studies indicate that the program has been effective in reducing traffic congestion considerably.It’s helped lower the number of vehicles on the roads during rush hours, which has eased travel times for many residents. Moreover, the environmental impact has been positive as well, showing a decrease in local pollution levels as the program started.
TNE: That’s impressive! However, change is often met with resistance. What challenges have you seen with the implementation of pico y Placa?
DMG: One major challenge is public compliance and understanding of the program, especially with changes, such as the recent shift to consecutive numbers rather of odd/even. There are always concerns about fairness, especially among those who rely on vehicles for work, as freight vehicles face restrictions as well. Moreover, there can be pushback from the public regarding how these restrictions impact their daily routines.
TNE: Interesting. Speaking of routines, how has the adaptation of the program in 2023 changed the dynamics for the residents?
DMG: The new format aims to simplify compliance, but it also requires residents to adjust their travel plans based on the new grouping. It’s an ongoing learning process. The city has worked to raise awareness and provide updates, but it takes time for everyone to fully adapt to any new system.
TNE: With technology evolving,are there any innovations you think could enhance the Pico y Placa program in the future?
DMG: Absolutely! Incorporating real-time data through mobile apps could greatly help drivers check restrictions before they leave home. Additionally, expanding public transport options and integrating them with the Pico y Placa schedule would encourage more people to shift away from using personal vehicles. Smart traffic management systems could also be employed to optimize traffic flow further.
TNE: Great ideas! Before we conclude, what advice would you give to other cities considering similar vehicle restriction programs?
DMG: my advice would be to tailor the program based on the specific needs and behavior patterns of the city’s residents. Engage the public in the decision-making process to ensure their voices are heard, and provide a comprehensive public transport system as a viable alternative. Continuous monitoring and adaptability are key for long-term success.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. gomez, for your insightful perspectives on the pico y Placa program. It has been a pleasure discussing these critically important issues with you today!
DMG: Thank you for having me! It was great to share insights on this valuable initiative.