Puebla’s Commercial Centers Resist Dropping Parking Fees Amidst Diputada’s Proposal

Web Editor

January 22, 2026

a large mall with a lot of people walking around it and a ceiling with a glass dome above it, Beeple

Background on Andrés De La Luz Espinoza and Acecop

Andrés De La Luz Espinoza, the director of the Asociación de Centros Comerciales de Puebla (Acecop), is a key figure in the commercial sector of Puebla, Mexico. Acecop represents 79 shopping centers and plazas that are crucial to the region’s economy, employing over 5,000 people directly and indirectly related to parking services.

Acecop’s Stance on Parking Fee Proposal

The proposal by Azucena Rosas, a local diputada from Morena, to eliminate parking fees in commercial centers has been met with resistance by Acecop. De La Luz Espinoza argues that there is no technical justification for this change and poses a risk to the commercial sector’s activities.

Addressing Concerns and Providing Context

  • Insurance Coverage: Acecop asserts that commercial centers with paid parking services offer protection against theft or damage to vehicles, including auto parts. Customers may be reluctant to claim payments due to the perceived hassle of filing a police report.
  • Low Theft Rates: De La Luz Espinoza highlights that the incidence of auto parts theft is minimal in centers with paid parking, as it’s more prevalent in those without such services.
  • Security Investment: Acecop members invest over 90 million pesos annually in private security, offering free parking hours and maintaining stable parking fees.
  • High Visitor Traffic: With over 6 million monthly visitors, Acecop members prioritize security to prevent total or partial vehicle theft.
  • Historical Context: The implementation of paid parking services aimed to protect users from theft and prevent unauthorized exploitation of parking spaces by outsiders.

Legislators’ Role and Information Gathering

De La Luz Espinoza urges legislators to gather firsthand knowledge about the functioning of paid parking services in commercial centers before proposing potentially harmful initiatives.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: Why is Acecop resisting the proposal to eliminate parking fees?

    A: Acecop believes there is no technical justification for eliminating parking fees, and it poses a risk to the commercial sector’s activities.

  • Q: How do paid parking services protect customers?

    A: Paid parking services offer insurance coverage for theft or damage to vehicles, including auto parts.

  • Q: What is the rate of auto parts theft in centers with paid parking?

    A: The incidence of auto parts theft is minimal in centers with paid parking, as it’s more prevalent in those without such services.

  • Q: How much does Acecop invest in security?

    A: Acecop members invest over 90 million pesos annually in private security.

  • Q: Why is visitor traffic significant for Acecop members?

    A: With over 6 million monthly visitors, Acecop members prioritize security to prevent total or partial vehicle theft.

  • Q: What was the original purpose of implementing paid parking services?

    A: The implementation of paid parking services aimed to protect users from theft and prevent unauthorized exploitation of parking spaces by outsiders.