AIMING to lessen smoke emissions, an alderman is batting to rid idle cars.
Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. wants to penalize idle vehicles on city roads in a bid to safeguard and shield the public from particulate matter and toxic cancer-causing air contaminants aiming to promote a healthy, livable and viable city.
“Much to the shock of many, the City of Pines topped a list of Philippine cities with the most polluted air in 2014 (WHO study). With approximately 1.2 million tourists flocking yearly in the city, most of them during peak seasons such as Christmas and the Panagbenga. The massive influx of tourists and incidents such as ‘carmaggedon’ prompting the cancellation of classes poses a very high risk of getting heart disease or cancer,” Yangot said.
The Yangot law stated emissions from vehicles idling contribute significantly to air pollution and increased rates of cancer and heart and lung diseases which adversely affect the health, natural environment and economic wellbeing of residents, guests and visitors.
Yangot added idling at schools negatively impacts the health of students.
“The city desires to encourage motorists not to idle their motor vehicles near places where children congregate,” Yangot added.
If the law is approved, fines as low P1,000 to as high as P3,000 will be meted to vehicles caught by implementing agencies.
To implement the idling law, coordination with the Public Information Office, the City Environment and Parks Management Office, City Schools Division Office and the, Baguio City Police Office and coordination with Department of Transportation-Cordillera (DOTr-CAR) through the Land Transportation Office is advised.
The proposed law passed first reading during last week’s council meeting.
Known as the Idling Regulation Ordinance, its cites more fuel is used when idling for longer than 10 seconds and may consume a gallon of fuel or more per hour resulting in excessive emissions and wasted fuel.
“This legislative is passed to protect, preserve and promote the health, safety and welfare of the public through the reduction, prevention and control of fuel emissions of engine powered motor vehicles. In addition, it is the desire of the City Government of Baguio to provide for the enforcement of standards to assure a reduction in fuel emissions which are injurious not only to the public, particularly the children but also to plant and animal life or property, or which interfere with peaceful enjoyment of life, property or the conduct of business,” Yangot said.