The Tijuana City Hall has passed a sweeping reform that will relieve residents from paying towing and storage fees when their vehicle is stolen.
The new measure, spearheaded by Municipal Ombudswoman Teresita Balderas Beltrán, amends the city’s Articles 78 and 98 from the Vehicle Towing and Storage Regulations. The changes ensure that citizens will no longer be charged for towing, storage, or associated fines when reclaiming a stolen vehicle.
Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz of Tijuana hailed the City Hall’s vote as a critical step forward regarding social justice.
“I congratulate our Municipal Ombudswoman; this is a historic decision. We are happy because we are closing a difficult chapter where citizens, already victims of theft, were forced to endure an ordeal just to get their own car back,” he said.
Echoing the mayor’s sentiment, Balderas said:
“It is unfair that after surviving such a traumatic event, the victim was faced with another expense. This reform demonstrates our administration’s firm commitment to social justice.”
Broader Legislative Agenda Approved
The City Hall session also yielded progress on several other key initiatives for the city:
- Outdoor Advertising Regulations: A new program was approved to identify, register, and regulate all entities that advertise on billboards, electronic screens, and mobile signs.
- Animal Welfare: Appointees were selected for the new Municipal Advisory Council for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Animals, tasking them with ensuring the health and humane treatment of animals.
- Public Works: City Hall issued a formal directive to CESPT, urging it to prioritize maintenance of the city’s stormwater drainage systems and complete all pending public road repairs.
- Municipal Libraries: The city reaffirmed its commitment to the Network of Municipal Public Libraries, guaranteeing their buildings will remain dedicated to housing and preserving their collections.
- Community Centers: Operating regulations for the city’s Community Centers were updated for the first time in over two decades.
Benefitting Families
The removal of towing fees for theft victims is seen as the most direct relief measure passed. Officials of the Tijuana City Hall stated that these collective decisions are aimed at addressing urgent social needs and reinforcing the well-being of hundreds of Tijuana’s families.
