Recent cases of tree branches falling over vehicles in San José and Escazú highlight the danger that drivers and pedestrians on national roads are exposed to. Municipalities recognize that they act primarily by complaints from neighbors and have no clear record of the most dangerous areas.
However, Alfonso López, head of parks of the San José Municipality stated they have an office for complaints, where people report the incidents and the staff handles the situation.
We take preventive measures and we know where the most dangerous trees are located. I don’t know the exact number, though,”
said López.
On the other hand, Laura Azofeifa, responsible for the environmental management in Alajuelita, confirmed that they perform assessments without the necessary equipment for these tasks. They also act primarily by complaints from residents, but sometimes make tours to detect potentially dangerous trees.
The National Highway Council (CONAVI) addresses this issue in the main roads of the country, and even ensure they make regular inspections and controls in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT).
However, it seems most of the measures are not focused on prevention.