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Installed on a problematic stretch of the BR-458 highway, the radar that promised to bring order to traffic was removed before even issuing the first fine. The equipment became the target of a controversy that mixed revolt, protests and vandalism. But what, after all, triggered such a negative reaction from drivers?
Installed on a problematic stretch of BR-458, the radar that promised to bring order to traffic was removed before even issuing the first fine.
The equipment, located in front of the Parques do Vale subdivision and close to the roundabout providing access to Lagoa Silva, has become the target of a controversy that mixes revolt, protests and vandalism.
But what, after all, triggered such a negative reaction from drivers?
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Why was the radar removed?
The National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) confirmed that the radar was not activated.
After installation, the equipment needs to go through a testing and calibration phase, but there was no time to complete these steps.
On Wednesday night (8), the radar set was found damaged again.
Part of its structure was destroyed, with one of the pieces thrown to the side of the track and the base compromised by the impact of a vehicle.
This was the second time the radar had been vandalized in less than two days. The previous night, between Tuesday and Wednesday, the structure had also been the target of attacks.
“As if it were possible to go faster than 50 km/h on this bumpy stretch”, criticized drivers outraged by the condition of the track, marked by holes and bumps.
Angry drivers and protests
O Discontent with the radar reflects a larger problem: the precariousness of the BR-458 stretch.
The location where the equipment was installed has serious irregularities on the track, which worsened during the rainy season.
As reported, drivers considered the installation of the radar an affront given the neglect of the highway.
The feeling of outrage quickly spread across social media and culminated in in-person protests. On Tuesday night (7), the radar was destroyed for the first time.
A video that circulated on the internet shows the moment when the structure was attacked, highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction with the condition of the road.
The future of radar
Despite the removal, Dnit assured that the radar will be reinstalled in the future.
In a note sent to Steel Diary, the authority explained that the company responsible for the equipment will carry out the necessary repairs before replacing it.
The department stressed that the decision to remove the radar was taken to prevent further damage while the device is still undergoing adjustments.
Although there is no set date for reinstallation, Dnit reinforced that the equipment will be repositioned in a “opportune moment”, indicating that the situation will be reassessed before any new measures are taken.
Poor infrastructure and its impact on security
The situation on BR-458 is a reflection of the difficulties faced by highways in several regions of Brazil.
The lack of proper maintenance contributes to the appearance of potholes, bumps and other irregularities that compromise the safety of drivers.
According to experts, installing the radar could be a positive measure to control speed in dangerous stretches.
However, the contrast between the implementation of inspection devices and the neglect of infrastructure generates dissatisfaction among drivers.
The central question is: how can we demand respect for traffic rules on a highway that does not offer basic traffic conditions?
Protests and solutions
The mobilization of drivers reflects the need for effective solutions to the problems on BR-458.
Experts point out that improving runway conditions should be a priority before installing new radars.
“Without adequate infrastructure, monitoring devices can become sources of frustration and anger,” analysts say.
The Dnit, in turn, stated that it is working on an action plan to recover the affected section. However, drivers remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the promised measures.
Meanwhile, the issue of vandalized radar raises a broader debate about priorities and resource management on Brazilian highways.
A question to ponder
The controversy surrounding the BR-458 radar exposes a frequent dilemma on Brazilian highways: Is it possible to guarantee security and inspection without first resolving basic infrastructure problems?
Drivers, authorities and experts need to find a balance to prevent situations like this from happening again.
And close to the Silvana lagoon and not Silva
That's how it is, the politicians in our country only want to collect revenue from highway maintenance, which doesn't exist when they do it, and it doesn't last 60 days. We drivers are the ones who end up with losses on tires, springs, etc.
Like everything in Brazil, taxes are paid by workers who can't handle so many insignificant taxes.
And we let it! Until when, boss people?