Guatemala's Road Woes: Analyst Criticizes Municipalities Over Excessive Speed Bumps and Informal Roadside Commerce

Guatemala City, Guatemala – Analyst Cristhians Castillo has voiced strong concerns regarding the state of road infrastructure in Guatemala, particularly criticizing municipalities for their role in the proliferation of excessive speed bumps. During a segment on Canal Antigua, Castillo stated, "Municipalities have autonomy, but they authorize the placement of excessive speed bumps." He highlighted that these installations often violate existing regulations, which stipulate a minimum distance between speed-reducing structures, leading to significant traffic delays and increased risks for drivers. Castillo elaborated on how this lack of proper regulation creates a chaotic environment on the nation's roads. He pointed out that residents sometimes install speed bumps in front of their homes without proper oversight, ostensibly to reduce vehicle speeds due to children playing. However, this uncoordinated approach contributes to the overall disorder. Furthermore, Castillo drew attention to the informal economy thriving on major highways, citing the Chimaltenango bypass as an example where vendors operate in high-speed traffic lanes, posing severe safety hazards to themselves and motorists. He concluded by expressing frustration that no authority in the country seems capable of bringing order to these pressing issues, underscoring a systemic problem in urban and highway planning.