THE Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) apprehended eight public utility vehicles (PUV) drivers who violated the 20-second parking rule within the yellow box during the first week of its implementation.

Joan Cabali, strategic intelligence assistance of the apprehension unit of the CTTMO, said on Friday, July 13, that these PUV drivers were given citation tickets for disregarding the traffic signs installed in the area.

Two violators were apprehended along Magallanes Steet, two others on San Pedro Street and four along C.M. Recto Street.

CTTMO started its information drive on June 25 and began implementation of the new rule in the first week of July.

Unlike before where PUJs can wait as long as they want, the yellow box or 20-second rule allows PUJs to pick up or drop off their passengers only within 20 seconds with the designated loading and unloading area.

The new policy is seen to ease traffic congestion in the downtown area.

Yellow boxes have been painted on designated loading and unloading areas in Maa, in front of NCCC Mall, Pichon St., C.M. Recto, San Pedro St., Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, Agdao, J.P. Laurel (near Mental Hospital, one at Gaisano Mall of Davao and Burger King) and at Victoria Plaza Mall. However, only identified areas have signages.

Under the new policy, authorities must put a traffic sign first before they apprehend.

The new traffic rule exempts PUVs who are loading or unloading persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, and senior citizens.

A P500 penalty will be imposed on drivers who disregard traffic signs and regulations as well as those who obstruct traffic flow.