Cellphone use in Trinidad gas stations banned

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Local officials here banned use of mobile phones and similar electronic gadgets in gasoline refilling stations for safety of motorists and employees.

Ordinance Number 24-2015 prohibits the use of cellular phones, and other similar electronic gadgets such as tablets, i-pads among others while refilling in the fuel stations or depots.

Officials said the law would prevent any possible incident that may pose danger due to improper use of cellular phones and other similar gadgets.

Mobile phones, the ordinance said, have radio transmitters that could induce a spark in nearby metallic objects.

 A four-meter radius is observed as distance limit to the gasoline, diesel and kerosene pump of the gasoline fuel station.

The operation of electronic loading business within a four-meter radius from fuel pumps is not also allowed under the measure.

The ordinance has been referred to the Provincial Board's Committee on Legal Matters for further study and recommendation.