A. M. The Ministerio de Obras Públicas (MOP) deployed this morning a mega-operation in the facilities of Sertracen and driving schools throughout the country. The action, led by minister Romeo Rodriguez Herrera, seeks to strengthen the control of the process of issuing driver’s licenses.
According to Rodríguez Herrera, more than 200 inspectors from the Viceministerio de Transporte (VMT) are participating in the simultaneous intervention in San Salvador, Santa Ana and San Miguel. The inspections include the review of procedures and notification of changes to examining schools. “As of this day we are going to initiate a transformation in the driving schools. They have been given 90 days to make several changes”, said the minister.
Authorities reported that during the early morning raids were carried out as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the issuance of licenses. The Government of El Salvador reaffirmed its commitment to eradicate corruption in the transit system.
Rodriguez Herrera revealed that some applicants paid up to US$1,000 to obtain their license without taking the required tests. To appear legal, part of the payment was billed to the driving schools, pretending that the applicants had completed the course.
Rodriguez Herrera detailed that the corruption scheme involved driving school employees, processors and possible VMT officials. “It was a whole network that was set up”, he said. Authorities are investigating more people linked to the case.
The operation is still ongoing and new arrests are not ruled out. Inspections will continue in the coming days to ensure transparency in the issuance of driver’s licenses and reinforce confidence in the country’s transit system.
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