CCTO urged: Act against motorists ‘competing with pedestrians’

CEBU, Philippines - With motorists reportedly competing with pedestrians on marked roadways, Cebu City Transportation Office is being urged to strictly implement the Traffic Code Ordinance mandating motorists to yield to right-of-way of pedestrians.

In a privilege speech, City Councilor David Tumulak said he received several complaints regarding this violation of motorists that are not being penalized.

“Some motorists are not aware of the ordinance and it poses danger sa atong kabatan-onan, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities,” he said.

He said he raised the concern to the council to have the matter, which concerns public safety, addressed.

During his speech, Tumulak presented photos taken in different areas in the city showing motorists competing with pedestrians within marked roadways.

“Supposedly, kon makakita ka og tao nga naa na sa pedestrian lane or sa marked roadway, ang drivers mo-stop na gyod na sila para makatabok sning mga tao,” Tumulak said, who chairs the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

As provided under Section 2 of Article XVII of City Ordinance 801, Tumulak said motorists should slow down or stop to give the pedestrian time to cross the marked or unmarked roadway.

This is applicable, he said, when there is no traffic control signal in place or traffic personnel in the area.

“When traffic control signals are in operation, the driver of a vehicle turning or intending to turn right or left shall likewise yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within the crosswalk,” the ordinance reads.

Further, the ordinance prohibits vehicles from the rear of the vehicle that yielded the right-of-way to a pedestrian to pass such stopped vehicle.

Councilor Margarita Osmeña, for her part, said requesting the CCTO is not enough.

“It will not be effective. We should catch them (violators),” she said.

With this, Tumulak directed CCTO to stringently implement the ordinance for the safety of the pedestrians. —  (FREEMAN)