A TOTAL of 115 motorcycle drivers were arrested by personnel of Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) for allowing children below seven years old to ride with them.

Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, head of BTAO, said the erring drivers were arrested by traffic enforcers along with personnel of Land Transportation Office for violation of City Ordinance No. 469, an ordinance prohibiting motorcycle riders from allowing a child below seven years old as rider.

He said most of the violators were arrested near schools while transporting their children.

For first offense, the violator was given a traffic ticket and a warning; second offense, issuance of traffic citation ticket and a fine of P100; and for third offense, a citation ticket and a fine of P500 with recommendation for revocation of driver’s license.

“We need to secure the safety of the riders especially the children who lack agility,” Acebuche said.

He reminded the motorcycle riders to avoid transporting their children as tandem rider to avoid penalties.

The BTAO is also strictly enforcing City Ordinance 455 amended by CO 535 that requires all motorcycle riders to wear protective helmets.

Acebuche said that since March, more than 1,000 erring drivers were arrested and fined for not using helmets.