After the anti-counterflow: Osmeña eyes stiffer fines for other traffic violations

CEBU, Philippines — After the anti-counterflow measure, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is eyeing to implement stricter traffic rules with the help of the City Council.

In his press conference yesterday, Osmeña said he will ask the City Council to double the existing P500 penalty against those motorists who are not respecting the pedestrian lanes, junction boxes, and sidewalks.

“We have to do that (doubling the fine) by an ordinance. I cannot just double it,” he told reporters.

Osmeña said he wants to double the fine to create a “deterrent” since he has observed that people will obey when the penalty becomes painful.

He said he wants other fines for violation of any traffic rules will also be increased later on as he does not want people to violate traffic rules.

“Impounding is there (for violators of counterflowing) because that is a deliberate, malicious intent to defy the law but if you get caught in the pedestrian lane because you thought you can make it through, it’s not necessary deliberate,” he said.

Osmeña said it is not his intention to make traffic fines affordable because it will not help disciplining the riding public.

He said violators of counterflowing show a “deliberate attempt to break the law” which for him is an aggravating circumstance.

The Cebu City Transportation Office is impounding vehicles caught violating the anti-counterflow measure of the city for 30 days.

CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said traffic enforcers have not impounded vehicles caught disrespecting the pedestrian lanes, junction boxes, and sidewalks.

Ouano said motorists should allow pedestrians to cross before they will pass through the pedestrian lane.

“Naay duha nadakpan pero gi-release namo ang vehicles kay mao ang giingon ni mayor,” he said.

As for the counterflow, he said there are already 400 motorcycles, 30 private cars, 10 taxis and eight jeepneys.

For now, Osmeña said he wants to ensure the continued implementation of the anti-counterflow measure to improve the traffic flow in the city. (FREEMAN)