THE CITY Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance appropriating P6 million for the purchase of two trucks for the use of the Baguio City Police Office – Traffic Management Branch (BCPO-TMB) in the implementation of traffic rules and regulations in the different parts of the Baguio City.
Authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr., the ordinance said towing of illegally parked vehicles is authorized under Section 11 of Ordinance no. 7, series of 1984 or the City’s Comprehensive Traffic Ordinance.
Under the proposed ordinance, a tow truck costs at least P3 million, thus, the need for the local government to purchase two or three two trucks depending on the need to intensify the implementation of traffic rules and regulations against illegally parked vehicles to clear the roads from obstructions that impede the smooth flow of traffic, especially in the central business district area.
The city’s Traffic and Transport Management Committee identified illegally parked vehicles along major roads as one of the major reasons for the worsening traffic congestions in the central business district.
Ordinance No. 7, series of 1984 otherwise known as the Traffic and Transportation Ordinance of the City of Baguio was enacted to provide for a comprehensive transportation and traffic regulations for the city.
Further, Ordinance No. 55, series of 1988 provides for the towing of vehicles which are abandoned along public roads, streets or alleys, including vehicles parked thereat for servicing, check-up or other mechanical tests or repair, except in emergency cases, where said vehicles impede the flow of traffic, whose traffic hazards or constitute a nuisance.
Yangot pointed out the pertinent provisions of the ordinances on towing of illegally parked vehicles have not been implemented because the local government does not have a tow truck to remove vehicles found in violation of the prevailing ordinances.
The alderman added in view of the urgent need to decongest traffic, the local government must already purchase the two trucks to fully implement the spirit of the ordinances allowing the towing of illegally parked vehicles.
Yangot claimed there is a prevalent violation of existing traffic and transportation management ordinances in the different parts of the city and it is high time for the local government to send a clear message to motorists that the city means business in the enforcement of traffic laws, rules, and regulations for a smooth and orderly traffic flow. (Dexter See/PIO)