ASIDE from getting rid of the streets of undisciplined drivers, the serious implementation of road rules is also bringing income to the city government of Angeles. Apprehension reports from the Angeles City Traffic Development Office (ACTDO) reveal that there was 47 percent increase from last year's traffic fine collection. From July to December 2019, the city government has collected P4,950,360.00 from traffic violators.
The said collections from traffic fines can go a long, long way for developmental projects of the city as it is an additional income for the public coffers. It is noteworthy that the city government is strictly imposing order and safety on the road through the apprehension of law violators. Such serious imposition is now instilling discipline among drivers passing through the city.
Among the income generators of the city comes from traffic violations, from impounding of motor vehicles and from towed motor vehicles which are either illegally parked or obstructed traffic. Failure to wear helmets or seatbelts meanwhile comprise among others the usual traffic violations that were sanctioned.
The ACTDO is serious on its effort to discipline erring motorists and such is fueled by Mayor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr.'s drive to enforce order and safety in the city and decongest it from vehicular traffic. Mayor Lazatin is reminding everyone to obey traffic rules to avoid being apprehended while in Angeles City.
Last year, the city earned P2.3 million from traffic fine collections in only three months. This is a proof that personnel of the ACTDO are doing their job in enforcing traffic rules. This also means that there are a great number of traffic law violators plying the city. In addition, the city is earning from the violations committed, making the serious implementation of traffic laws serves double purpose.
I have been to the city recently and has observed the notable improvement of vehicular traffic. Many sidewalks and shoulders were likewise cleared of obstructions, giving now pedestrians ample spaces to walk.
Other local government units in the province may emulate the feat of Mayor Lazatin in strictly imposing traffic rules. Such is feasible as manifested in Angeles City and it may start with educating drivers and with the conduct of dialogues among the associations of public utility vehicles before the more serious implementation of laws.
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Last year, Mayor Lazatin abolished the P20 Tourism Promotion and Development Fee collected from hotel occupants per day of stay. Through an Executive Order, the local chief executive set aside the said exaction in response to the number of complaints received by owners of such establishments from their guests. It can be recalled that the city is advocating a business-friendly atmosphere for various establishments.
Owners of hotels and similar establishments are happy and welcome the said development. They stand by the fact that the city is indeed business-friendly.
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