Transit Police Staying Tough in Palmares
The Policía de Tránsito reports that more than 1.000 drivers have been pulled over and handed a ¢26.000 colones (us$52.) fine for speeding, not wearing seatbelts, careless driving and multitude of other driving offences during the Palmares festival.

Some 30 drivers were left standing by the side of the road, having their vehicle confiscated, because they were drunk behind the wheel.

Authorities added that they have seen an increase of the use of the "designated driver this year, this trend attributed to their intensive campaign of a zero tolerance, that began last year.

Tránsito officials have created a ring around Palmares, the small town west of San José, between Grecia and San Ramón. Their intensive campaign if focusing on drinking and driving, a common habit by many visitng the annual fair.

Speeding and careless driving, the principal cause of most accidents on the InterAmercian highway, many resulting in fatalities, is another target by Transit police.

Their aim to "prevenir el luto" - prevent mourning.