TIJUANA – A computer system activated Monday at the San Ysidro Port of Entry has caused delays for northbound border crossers and drawn strenuous protests from Tijuana officials about the resulting congestion around government offices in the city's Rio Zone.

Morning clogs at the fast-track SENTRI lane have caused mile-long traffic backups along the Via Rapida Oriente, Tijuana police said. The congestion has blocked some access to Tijuana City Hall, state government offices and shopping areas such as the Pueblo Amigo Shopping Center.

Mayor Jorge Ramos made an “urgent call” yesterday for greater efficiency for SENTRI, the program for prescreened border crossers. “The slow traffic is maddening for people using Via Rapida Oriente,” affecting not only border crossers, but government workers and other Tijuana residents, Ramos told reporters.

The new computer system is intended to increase efficiency and security, said Angelica De Cima, spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. But many inspectors are learning the system on the job, resulting in slower processing.

“We figured this week there would be delays, because of the learning curve,” De Cima said.

The software has been installed at the Tecate, Calexico and Andrade border stations; it will be installed at Otay Mesa on Sept. 29.

The system gives agents more detailed information about the vehicles and drivers waiting to cross into the United States.

“We ask that the public be patient,” De Cima said. “If you don't have to cross at peak times, don't do it.”

She also suggested that crossers use the Otay Mesa port of entry, or use the pedestrian crossing, which opened its own SENTRI lane this week.

The installation of the computer system happened the same week that many students returned to school and added to the number of motorists, De Cima said.

Staff writer Hiram Soto contributed to this report.

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Angelica Martinez: (619) 293-1317; angelica.martinez@uniontrib.com