DRIVING schools should avoid using the South Coastal Road and roads with high traffic because the slow or cautious driving of student drivers only adds to the congestion.
This is why Cebu City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. has filed an ordinance that prohibits the use of the main highways for practical driving lessons.
“There is a big tendency that it adds to the traffic congestion, especially on the major roads,” said Gabuya.
His proposal is now with the committee on laws for review.
A driving school owner, though, cried foul over this proposal.
Andrew Tan, owner of A&A Driving School, said driving schools have only a few vehicles, and he does not believe they create traffic congestion.
“We only have a few cars. This is only a small business, yet they are blaming us for traffic congestion,” Tan told SunStar Cebu.
Tan said the transportation offices do not even prohibit them from using the roads.
SunStar Cebu tried to reach other driving schools, but they did not respond as of press time.
Gabuya seeks to amend City Ordinance 1637 entitled “An Ordinance Regulating the Use of Certain Major Streets of the City of Cebu by Driving Schools in giving and by Students Drivers in Taking Practical Driving Instructions and/or Lessons.”
In the proposed amendment, he specified F. Vestil St., Sergio Osmeña Jr. Blvd. and the stretch of the South Road Properties (SRP) and N. Bacalso Ave. under the jurisdiction of Cebu City where driving lessons should be prohibited.
The proposed ordinance stipulates a fine of P2,000 each for the driving instructor and the student driver.
Gabuya said the conduct of driving lessons on major roads adds to traffic congestion.
“There was one time I was following someone having a driving lesson. It moves too slow,” he said.
The conduct of driving lessons on major streets or roads causes traffic congestion as student drivers drive slower as they are still practicing and there are instances the student driver panics, like when the engine suddenly shuts off, he said.
He acknowledged though that there have been no recorded incidents caused by conducting driving lessons on major streets yet.
Gabuya was not able to name specific driving schools conducting driving lessons on these major roads, but he was sure there are some.
Instead of conducting driving lessons on major streets where traffic congestion is already a problem, Gabuya suggested the use of open spaces.
He mentioned Barangay Lahug, Cebu City and Mandaue City where there are open spaces fit for driving lessons.
Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, however, was not for totally prohibiting student drivers, saying regulating the activity would do.
“I understand the noble intention of Councilor Gabuya, but we also have to understand that these are student drivers,” said Labella.
He suggested to just regulate the operations, like prohibiting driving lessons only at peak hours.
As the proposal is still to be studied by the Council, he will just wait for the outcome of the deliberation of the local lawmakers. (JJL)