Res Gestae
Traffic fines collection, proof of mismanagement
The Iloilo City government should have known it better. Its reported P1,256,000 of traffic fines collection for the first quarter this year must rather cause an alarming signal instead of jubilation.
Traffic fines collection is the barometer of effectiveness and efficiency of traffic management in this city. In short, the accelerating trend in collection of traffic fines does not only reveal the kind of drivers this city has but also indicate the plunging performance rating of Iloilo City's Traffic Management and Engineering Unit.
In a comparative report, it was shown that, except for year 2004, the number of traffic violators and fines collection increased since year 2000. Yet, we still refer that unit as "traffic management unit"? To be blatant about it, the P1.2 million traffic fines collection is prima facie evidence of "mismanagement"! Yes, it is! Effective management connotes "order", and it seems the increase by millions in traffic fines collection has been misconstrued to mean "order" in traffic situation of this city.
Mayor Jerry Treñas (and those who are employed and involved in the traffic management in this city or any city for that matter) must be reminded that effective traffic management cannot be based solely on the amount of traffic fines collection. Effective traffic management is also revealed on the number of minutes one takes for a ride when traversing Plazoletagay. Likewise, effective traffic management is manifested on the ability of the traffic enforcers to educate drivers to observe basic traffic signs, such as the loading and unloading areas, the no U-turn, one-way lane, etc. When the imposition of fines does not generate disciplined drivers, the city government must realize how futile the said exercise is. But, if it considers the drivers a milking cow for bigger revenues, the P1.2 million traffic fines collections is therefore a laudable accomplishment. This must not be the case however.
Thus, with Mayor Treñas on the lead role, the Iloilo City government must urgently call for the re-evaluation of the implementation of traffic rules and regulation. Also, the chief of TMEU, Police Senior Inspector Robert Foerster, must do lots of explaining that, despite the number of apprehensions, the traffic congestion remains unbearable in the major city streets.
Traffic violations do not only indicate recklessness of drivers, it also manifests their indifference and disrespect towards our traffic enforcers. And, as I see it, the increase of apprehensions and collections is demeaning of the traffic officers and of the city officials.
As a resident of this city, I would appreciate more if city officials endeavor to increase revenues through effective collection of taxes compare to seeing in the financial statement the ballooning traffic fines collection. Don't get me wrong though. I recognize the significant contribution of traffic fines collection in the many projects of the city governments. However, this is not our primary objective. What we expect from the performance of TMEU is the ORDER in the streets and smooth flow traffic in Iloilo City's major thoroughfares and not the millions in traffic fines collection!
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