Updates from Mexico

UPDATES FROM

DGAF Presents at Green Fleet Virtual Congress

Representing the Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT) in collaboration with the General Directorate of Federal Motor Transport (DGAF), DGAF General Director Ing. Salomón Elnecavé presented “Transport, Technology and New Trends” during the Sept. 28-30 Green Fleet Virtual Congress, organized by the German Cooperation for Sustainable Development in Mexico. The virtual congress brought together transport regulatory authorities, industry experts and specialized academics to discuss topics related to sustainable freight transport, green fleet initiatives and technological innovation.

Elnecavé discussed the premise that the evolution of technologies in land transport falls within a socio-historical context and presented a historical review about the technological leaps vehicles have made throughout the centuries. He also emphasized the current challenges of maintaining efficiency, security, intercommunication and sustainability.

As part of the safety and environmental initiatives in which the SCT-DGAF participates, its representatives highlighted agency actions that take advantage of technological advances, such as federal digital licenses, dynamic weighing systems and the Technological Roadmap of Land Transportation. The federal digital license was showcased as a technological advancement that provides safer, more efficient and faster service. In addition, weigh in motion (WIM) dynamic weighing systems were mentioned as a tool for the inspection process which, once implemented in Mexico, is expected to reduce road accidents by counteracting the lack of enforcement personnel.

The Technological Roadmap of Land Transportation was mentioned as a project that seeks to identify Mexico’s vision for the future of freight, passenger and rail transport. To determine and prepare policies and incorporate new technologies in a timely manner, this project will require the training of staff, the creation of infrastructure and a review of the regulatory environment, among other actions. As part of the project, road and rail transport workshops have been held to analyze future trends in transport and the type of infrastructure that will be required. The analysis included the current conditions of trucking in Mexico, the need for energy diversification and industry projections.

At the end of the SCT-DGAF presentation, some speakers presented their concerns to Elnecavé regarding policies, standards and projects. Among the most pressing issues are the renewal of the vehicle fleet and the application of the dynamic weighing system.

The first results of the Technological Roadmap of Land Transportation in Mexico are now available.

SCT Presents Cargo Securement Standard

To establish the technical requirements for securing cargo, the SCT presented the normative project NOM 015-SCT/2021. This project seeks to solve the problem that arises from the lack of comprehensive legal parameters regulating cargo securement, leaving it up to the discretion of whoever does a roadside inspection.

Relevant aspects of this project include estimates of the cargo securement system, responsibilities of the subjects involved and the conformity assessment procedure. The draft Official Mexican Standard is in the process of receiving public comments. Once published in the Official Gazette of the Federation as a final standard, it will go into effect immediately.

Federal Transportation Inspectors Receive Anti-Human Trafficking Training

On Sept. 20, the DGAF in coordination with the SCT Centers of the Mexican Republic launched the Asphalt Guardians Against Human Trafficking course as part of the training for federal motor transport inspectors.

The course was taught virtually by two experts on the subject, Ana Karen Valdez and Nicole Marie Gallego. Valdez is a representative of the Consejo Ciudadano para la Seguridad y Justicia de la Ciudad de México, has training in pedagogy and has been part of the Together Against Human Trafficking Program for four years. Gallego is a representative of the Civil Association El Pozo de Vida, AC, has a master’s degree in social work, is an academic at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and is a member of the operating committee of that association.

On behalf of SCT-DGAF, Elnecavé introduced “Asphalt Guardians” and highlighted the important role motor transport inspectors can play in identifying trafficking on federal highways. He recognized the work and commitment of inspectors toward road safety, the evolution of legal provisions and the responsibilities of public officials and civil society. Elnecavé also stated that the identification and prevention of human trafficking in Mexico involves a commitment from all.

Then, Valdez talked about legal approaches and general perspectives on the subject. Shortly after, Gallego led a conversation focused on the indicators, perspectives and protocols that federal motor transport inspectors could employ in the fight against human trafficking.

Three hundred inspectors received the training which will allow them to identify, recognize and report possible cases of human trafficking in the field. Of course, the training work does not end with this meeting. It is expected that in the future the scope of training may extend to other elements of the motor transport sector. n