Amendment of Traffic Ord. seen to discipline pedestrians, motorists
Instead of using the overpass or skywalks in crossing the
street, most people prefer to walk below it.
City Councilor Erwin Plagata, chair of the Sangguniang Panglungsod Committee on Transportation,described the amendments in Ordinance 309 or Traffic Ordinance, passed more than a decade ago, as timely to address the present traffic condition in the city.
Plagata said the proposed amendments in some provisions of Ordinance 309 series of 1992 specially in the imposition of fines and penalties in jaywalking was purposely presented to come up with an ordinance which fits the present conditions of the streets.
In the proposed amendment on fines and penalties, specially in Section 3, the recommended fines is P200 and an imprisonment of not more than two days for any jaywalking violators. Previously the fine was only pegged at P50.
Plagata said the violators would be given citation ticket to be paid at the City Treasurer's Office within 48 hours. Failure to do so would entail the filing of a civil case. The City Legal Office was tasked to file the charges against the violators.
The establishment of several overpasses intended for safe and orderly crossing of able-bodied pedestrians made no difference at all, noted Plagata.
The proposed amendments in the traffic ordinance is also in accordance with the Local Government Code (LGC). The LGC Code empowers the Sangguniang Panglungsod to approve ordinances imposing a fine of not more than P5,000 or an imprisonment of not exceeding one year.
The proposed amendments also includes Section 1 which provides that it is unlawful for any pedestrian to cross the streets of the city except through pedestrian lanes identified by the TMEU; and Section 2 provides that pedestrians shall observe and obey the traffic lights and orders of the traffic policemen and traffic aides directing the traffic.
Pedestrians shall pass through pedestrian lanes with caution and in no manner obstruct to delay the passage of others. Person of adult age accompanying children of tender age or persons suffering from visual or physical defects are responsible for acts of their wards or protégées.
Drivers of motor vehicles are also urged to act with prudence and caution upon nearing and before crossing pedestrian lanes so as to avoid accidents and unnecessary dangers to the pedestrians.
Plagata lamented that the purpose of the construction of several overpasses was defeated since able-bodied pedestrians does not want to use it and instead cross even in non-pedestrian areas.
There must be strict and proper compliance of the city ordinance which is intoned with the present traffic situation. The amendments will instill discipline among pedestrians, drivers and commuters, said Plagata.