Mexico City Targets Bad Drivers, Police Corruption (1/3)

In recent weeks, there have been moves on both the federal and local level in Mexico to fight corruption and reinforce the rule of law. President Felipe Calderon last month removed 284 of his top federal police officials because they were suspected of corruption. He has made the fight against corruption and organized crime one of his top priorities.

Here in Mexico City the focus has been on the lowest level of corruption, that of the so-called "mordida" or bite. This is Spanish slang for a bribe paid to a street cop in order to avoid a ticket for a minor infraction.

Under new rules announced by Head of Government Marcelo Ebrard last week, motorists are discouraged from offering bribes and police are rewarded for reporting those who offer them bribes. The once common illegal practices of driving in the bus lane, failure to wear a seat belt, speeding and running red lights are now targeted by the new laws.

Ebrard says the main goal is public safety. He says the fundamental reason for the new regulations is the need to reduce accidents, which cause deaths and injuries.