Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced on November 14, 2025, that a peak hour and number plate for unregistered vehicles in the city will be introduced on Saturdays (every two weeks) from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with effect from January 2026.
By way of argument, he explained: The measures aim to address traffic congestion levels and improve weekend mobility.when a significant increase in the flow of private vehicles was reported.
You can now follow facebook and within us WhatsApp channel
Additionally, he said the announcement was based on technical research conducted by the Ministry of Transport that demonstrated that reducing traffic volume contributes to significant improvements in travel times and air quality.
The scheme will not affect taxis, public transport or emergency services, but current exceptions will continue to apply and official routes for applying for special paid permits will be maintained.
On even-numbered Saturdays, license plates ending in the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are restricted; on odd-numbered Saturdays, license plates ending in the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0 are restricted..
Due to the reaction surrounding this announcement, including a total rejection by the heads of local governments around the capital, dialogue with the government Infobae ColombiaOmar Orostegui Restrepo, a political scientist and master of development studies at the University of Manchester, provided an analysis of this.
“No known technical documentation or legislation, announcement that confuses more than it solves. “They aim to reduce congestion, including accidents, but there is no direct relationship between that rate and their claims, and there is no research to verify it,” experts initially questioned.
To Orostegui, the measure is a disguised toll that the district hopes to generate tax revenue from.
“There is a fee to enter Bogotá. Many people working in Bogotá and sleeping in neighboring municipalities will be compromisedthis is just an example. I understand that the mayor is interested in asking for resources, but the bottom line is that this measure is a tax and seeks to force people to register their cars in Bogota or pay a solidarity tax and license plate that is 50% higher than usual.
Omar Orostegui predicted that this decision could cause a crisis in relations between the capital and surrounding municipalities and the Cundinamarca government.
“The mayor may be making a mistake here, sending a negative message and overshadowing issues with regional mobility agencies and the metropolitan area. Why believe it if Bogotá turns its back on these issues without consulting the region’s mayors and the governor of Cundinamarca?”.
Experts pointed out that it is necessary to understand why people do not register their cars in Bogota, as this is one of the arguments mentioned by Mayor Galán and the Ministry of Transport.
“The municipality offers more tax incentives up to 50%, the collection rate is not as high and the procedure is easier than in Bogotá. The problem isn’t just that, it’s also the bike. This percentage is higher than cars, and the mayor has not said anything about this issue and remains silent.”.
Mr. Orostegui announced the peak and plate measure on Saturday, but reaffirmed that so far, research shows there is no weighty argument to support it as a real solution.
“There’s been an announcement, but nothing more has been written. Certainly, they’ll have to adjust as they go along. We are seeing tax measures disguised as mobility management. Let us show you our technical research”.
Finally, Bogotá’s mayor’s office said that simple aspects such as accepting tourists were ignored and out of touch with the reality of the city.
“The important point is how to deal with tourists who bring license plates from other places. They cannot enter the city. What will happen to tourists who come to Tunja from Ibague via Bogota? They will not be able to enter.” Bogota has the dynamics of integration with neighboring countries, but this measure turns its back and ignores that reality”.
About The Author
