THE Cebu City Council has called on the city’s traffic enforcement agency to strictly prohibit vehicle parking on the sidewalks of Osmeña Blvd. and other major thoroughfares.
The request came in the form of a resolution approved by the council on April 23, 2025.
Osmeña Blvd., a vital artery connecting uptown and downtown Cebu City, recently underwent sidewalk expansion and renovation to enhance pedestrian accessibility.
These improvements aim to boost the city’s aesthetic appeal for tourists and include the installation of tactile pavements for visually impaired individuals, read a portion of the resolution.
Despite these efforts, concerns have arisen over instances of vehicles using the sidewalks as unauthorized parking spaces.
The resolution cited a viral online photo from February showing a car obstructing a significant portion of the sidewalk in front of a bank along Osmeña Blvd.
Safety risks
This habit impedes foot traffic, causes inconvenience to pedestrians and poses safety risks, particularly to the visually impaired who rely on the tactile pavements, according to the resolution.
The resolution further states that the presence of vehicles contributes to the premature deterioration of tactile pavements, resulting in elevated maintenance expenses. It also noted the negative impact on the city’s image for visitors.
While the resolution specifically names Osmeña Blvd., it also extends the request for stricter enforcement to other major thoroughfares within Cebu City, though these were not identified.
A city ordinance approved in May 2023 penalizes obstructions on sidewalks, alleys, and pathways in public spaces.
The ordinance defines obstructions as any structure impeding safe passage, sidewalk vendors conducting business, and any items left on sidewalks.
Penalties range from a written warning for the first offense to a P5,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to one year for subsequent violations, at the court’s discretion. Business operators found in violation also risk having their business permits revoked. / JPS