Makati warns drivers: Don’t ignore pedestrian lanes

MANILA, Philippines - Following reports that motorists are blatantly disregarding pedestrians, the Makati City government has ordered the strict enforcement of traffic rules on pedestrian lanes.

“I have asked our traffic enforcers from PSD to see to it that pedestrian lanes are not blocked by vehicles so that people can cross safely to the other side of the road. Any obstruction poses a danger to pedestrians because it forces them to walk outside the lane markings which are supposed to be a ‘safe zone’ for them,” said Mayor Abigail Binay yesterday, referring to the city government’s public safety department.

She also directed the PSD to review the existing provisions of the Makati Traffic Code, which carry a minimum penalty of P200 with community service. 

“We need to give more teeth to our traffic code by raising the fines for violations that directly endanger lives, especially of pedestrians who are most vulnerable to injury or death caused by accidents on the road,” Binay said.

For habitual offenders or when the offense involves property damage in excess of P10,000 or loss of life, Binay wants the violator’s driver’s license cancelled.

She cited from a report from the Makati police station wherein 206 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents – 117 hit by four-wheeled vehicles and 76 by motorcycles. The remaining 13 were hit-and-run victims.

There are currently 146 pedestrian lanes with traffic lights, 32 without pedestrian lights, 11 overpasses, seven underpasses and 64 intersections in Makati.