**Iberparking vs. Citizens of Tecate**
**By TJ Gringo**
A growing controversy has emerged in Tecate as residents voice their frustration and anger towards Iberparking, a company managing parking meters across the city. The operator has reactivated its services, resulting in the immobilization and fining of vehicles parked in front of residences without paying the parking fee, leading to widespread discontent among the populace.
Residents on Avenida Revolución in the Centro colonia, like one vocal neighbor, are furious: “It’s incredible that I have to pay to park in front of my house. Now, my car is immobilized, and I have to pay a hefty fine and wait for them to remove the clamp. This is daily harassment; it’s unjust and illegal,” she exclaimed.
The issue resonates with many others in Tecate, where over a hundred complaints have been filed against Iberparking. Despite involving 580 parking spaces across 30 city blocks, ranging from working professionals to elderly citizens, the company’s operation methods have been labeled impractical, particularly regarding the use of technology required to pay for parking.
Don Armando, a 68-year-old resident, struggles with the technology: “They’ve fined me, and my car is clamped because I don’t understand how to use these meters. We need assistance, not just penalties.” Reports of malfunctioning meters that do not give change further exacerbate frustrations.
In response to clamping and fines, locals have devised ways to bypass penalties, such as changing the immobilized wheel on the spot or using tools to break off the clamps. The company, however, warns that any acts of vandalism against its property will result in legal action.
The fines, as per Tecate’s 2024 Income Law, can be quite significant: 3 pesos for every 15 minutes of parking, 150 pesos to remove a clamp, and 200 pesos for overstaying. This can add up to 350 pesos for a single parking infraction.
Mayor Darío Benítez defended against implementing Iberparking’s operations, suggesting that pressures from the incoming administration led by Román Cota may have influenced the decision to push back operations until just before the end of Benítez’s term.
Despite the backlash, there has been no clear legal ruling on Iberparking’s legitimacy. However, the company claims compliance, stating they have contributed nearly 200,000 pesos to the municipal government from revenue.
Municipal Treasurer Antonio Rosas and Security Director Elsa Macías both affirmed that there have been no official directives for officers to collaborate with Iberparking, adding to the confusion surrounding the legitimacy of these operations.
**Related News: Growing Discontent and Legal Issues Amid Iberparking’s Reactivation in Tecate**
Recently, the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Tecate confirmed having received five formal complaints against Iberparking. Investigators are currently examining the company’s contract and actions to assess their legality.
On August 1, citizens and activists demanded a public forum with Tecate’s city council and Mayor Edgar Benítez in Miguel Hidalgo Park, seeking clarity and resolution on the matter.
Residents and workers in the Zona Centro face daily parking costs that exceed their financial capabilities. A local worker explained: “I earn 1,500 pesos weekly and can’t afford 120 pesos daily for parking. It’s unreasonable.”
In December 2023, Iberparking announced their plans to commence operations in January 2024. The company controls 580 parking spaces in the city’s central blocks, generating potential revenues exceeding one million pesos monthly if fully utilized.
This controversial contract, awarded in 2016 during César Moreno González de Castilla’s administration, is currently scrutinized for potential corruption and resource misappropriation linked to high-ranking officials.
Mayor Benítez has stated that Tecate’s administration owes Iberparking over 31 million pesos for non-operational periods enforced by previous administrations, posing a severe financial strain on the city’s budget.
Both residents and municipal authorities are in a state of ongoing conflict with Iberparking. The company’s representatives have warned that any destruction or theft of their property will result in legal proceedings.
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**Further Reading: Public Outcry Over Iberparking’s Parking Meter Operations**
Numerous protests erupted as Tecate citizens expressed their discontent with Iberparking’s sudden enforcement of parking meter fees. Citizens argue that the company’s methods are both unfair and legally dubious, lacking clear guidance from municipal authorities.
The enraged sentiment highlights a broader issue of resource mismanagement and alleged corruption that has plagued the city administration, drawing sharp criticism and demanding stronger accountability measures.