SAYING that their operations may cause road congestion in the long run, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera wants all habal-habal (motorcycles-for-hire) drivers to register themselves at City Hall.

This, after he received complaints from the Mabolo Police Station and several foreign tourists that they were reportedly asked to pay hefty fees per trip by the motorcycle drivers.

“They’re everywhere. By the time we try to discipline them because of their number, it would be very hard for us. It’s understandable for them to operate in interior areas, but they shouldn’t be allowed to ply along the main roads,” he said.

Garganera, who heads the Council committee on transportation, said there is a need to address the problem immediately.

In Barangay Banilad, at least 100 drivers have been cited for traffic counter-flow by authorities, Garganera said.

City Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., who shared Garganera’s sentiment, last year filed a draft ordinance on the matter, but it is still subject to a final deliberation.