The neighbourhood association, The Perenquén, intends to demand that the City of Santa Cruz promptly dismantle the bicycle lane and the urban area, arguing that “it has been established without any legal foundation, compromising road safety.”
Furthermore, he cautioned regarding the low emissions zone, stating that “no actions or contracts may be pursued, as it seems to be occurring with the installation of surveillance cameras,” thereby operating outside the legal parameters. The lawyer indicated that if the association’s requests are ignored, “he will resort to administrative litigation.”
Campos also mentioned that “from a democratic standpoint, it is vital for the City Council to consult with citizens regarding the implementation of this measure, being aware of the widespread public opposition.” He added, “if actions are taken against the people’s wishes, at the very least, it should be conducted within the bounds of legality.”
In response, the Councillor for Mobility and Universal Accessibility, Evelyn Alonso, highlighted that “the initiative to scrutinise political affairs and municipal management on these issues by a neighbourhood association conflicts with the vision of transforming Santa Cruz into a city of the future, where the regulation of public spaces, which belong to everyone, the reduction of the carbon footprint, and sustainability are the foundational principles that we aim to embrace. Europe mandates that towns with populations exceeding 50,000 inhabitants have a low emissions zone.”
“The approach of certain groups, backed by only a fraction of any collective and sustainability progression, prioritises personal convenience above all else, which cannot lead us to anything other than a Santa Cruz reminiscent of the late twentieth century, conforming to the 1985 mobility ordinance—a city entirely disconnected from contemporary needs and the aspirations of its residents.”
“With the utmost respect for judicial rulings, we must acknowledge that the implications of the judgement are being assessed and prepared, and thus, an appeal to the Supreme Court for the suspension of the mobility ordinance is forthcoming.”
