BAGUIO City Councilor Francisco Roberto Ortega VI wants traffic enforcers to have additional vests, gloves, raincoats and boots to better serve the public.
Ortega said it is important that the public reciprocate the dedication of traffic enforcers by ensuring their safety as they tackle their strenuous and risky job.
The lawmaker said it is a must that traffic enforcers be provided with reflectorized vests and gloves to prevent any untoward incident.
Ortega, who heads the committee on public protection and safety, peace and order said in a report that the use of reflectorized vests makes traffic aids discernable to motorists especially during evening, when visibility is reduced.
Their hand signals can also be viewed and understood clearly by drivers if they have reflectorized gloves.
Ortega cited the situation during rainy days and stressed it is imperative enforcers must use proper rain gear for their protection from heavy downpours to be effective in performing their duties.
"The rain gear will not only protect our traffic enforcers but also prevent road accidents," Ortega added.
Ortega’s report also asked Baguio City Police Office city director Senior Superintendent Ramil Saculles to provide funds for the acquisition of protection gear for the city enforcers, including police auxiliary personnel.
At present, the BCPO has around 46 traffic auxiliary force but would need around 80 to 90 personnel to man 25 critical and conflict areas with overlapping deployment schedules.
Previously, Saculles said the bulk of the traffic volume is experienced in the Pacdal area as tourists visit the Good Shepherd, Wright Park, Mansion House and Mines View area aside from the top of Session Road and the entry point leading to the Baguio City Market.