Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-do) -- The V European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean Summit (EU-LAC) which starts today and will congregate more than 40 Heads of State of said continents, called for the closure of a few of Lima's most frequented avenues. These closures have caused chaos and confusion for commuters, with alternative routes leading drivers around the city and causing heavy traffic.

Complaints by the public and the severe traffic congestion caused Peru's National Police (PNP) to re-open Av. Javier Prado, which had been closed as of 7:00 a.m. as a security measure for the international event.

"El Comercio" reports that the closures surrounding major security posts for the summit (Museo de la Nación and the National Library) began in disorder, with news program "Primera Edición" on América Televisión showing live images of how some police officers tried to stop vehicles from passing and were laughed at by many drivers.

Heavy traffic was caused by the east to west closure of the Av. Javier Prado. Vehicles trying to reach San Isidro from La Molina were told to take Av. Rosa Toro. Congestion caused by this closure was immediate with cars piling up. Minutes afterwards the via from the opposite direction was closed. This caused many drivers, including police officers, to commit driving offenses, such as the ones that occurred close to the bridge of Av. Guardia civil where many took entrance ramps to avoid the chaos.

The traffic caused Uribe to reopen the Avenue in both directions to help alleviate the congestion, apologizing for the inconveniences but asking that the public understand.


News Source: El Comercio