Local Authorities Close Down Informal Parking Attendant in Mar del Plata
In a scene reminiscent of bustling summer beaches, Mar del Plata’s local authority shut down an unauthorized "trapito" operation at the Bristol Beach. The incident, captured on video, showcases the municipal employee’s firm stance against unregulated services in public spaces.
The man, earns a living by offering to "guard" parked vehicles for a fee, a common practice in Argentina but one that’s officially discouraged. The municipal employee approached him, stating, "You can’t conduct this activity here, or anywhere in Mar del Plata. Please leave."
Captured on video, the conversation reveals the trapito’s disbelief, claiming he wasn’t causing any disturbance. "I’m just resting, like everyone else," he said. The municipal worker patiently explained, "This is public space, you can’t occupy it like this." Tensions escalated when the trapito retorted, "What is this punishment?" and later directed profanities at the employee.
The municipal employee remained poised, responding, "We’ll keep coming for you, take notice." They then left together, bringing an end to the tense encounter that went largely unnoticed by nearby beachgoers.
Predictably, the video stirred a mix of reactions online, with some supporting the municipal intervention and others arguing for more empathy towards the informal worker’s situation.
