Strict implementation of traffic laws set

BAGUIO CITY – Stricter traffic rules will be implemented here in line with the city government’s effort to sustain its image as a pedestrian friendly city with full implementation of the “King of the Road Ordinance.”

The said ordinance introduced by Councilor Fred Bagbagen and former Councilor Elaine Sembrano in 2010 has not been implemented since its inception into the book of laws of the city.

The Baguio City Police Office, Traffic Management Unit admitted no apprehensions have been made in relation to the ordinance.

Traffic Chief James Allan Logan in a letter addressed to Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas revealed several problems in its implementation.

Logan said lack of personnel to augment all pedestrian lanes in the central business district was  major factor in its implementation citing most personnel are assigned in intersections for traffic direction and control.

Logan added informative signs should also be installed to make motorists aware of the ordinance and pedestrian lanes should be repainted.

“Most of the pedestrian lanes are within the scope of traffic lights system so the movement of people and vehicles are controlled,” Logan said.

The “King of the Road” ordinance requires motorists to fully stop for five seconds or slow down when approaching a pedestrian lane in any part of the city.

It also stated “no vehicle shall obstruct any portion of a pedestrian lane.”

Anyone caught violating the ordinance will have his driver’s license confiscated and slapped a fine of, for the first offense P1,000.00, second P2,000.00 and third P3,000.00.

It also provided that driver’s caught for the second and third offenses will undergo a mandatory seminar before the driver’s license is released.

Vice mayor Daniel Farinas said, observations made by the Traffic management Branch in implementing the ordinance will help councilors assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the same’.

“We would determine if the legislation needs to be improved or amended,” Farinas said. -- Paul Rillorta