Ban on motorcycles from tunnel mulled

CEBU, Philippines - If Cebu City Councilor Roberto “Bob” Cabarrubias will have his way, pedestrians and motorcycles will not be allowed to use the newly opened tunnel under the Plaza Independencia.

The tunnel connects the South Coastal Road to McArthur Boulevard, Cebu City and was opened to traffic early this month. As of now, the public works department bans heavy vehicles like cargo trucks from the tunnel.

Cabarrubias said that he wants to prevent accidents involving persons riding motorcycles and pedestrians in the tunnel.

He expects that motorists who travel through the tunnel will be driving fast so it would be dangerous for slow moving or small vehicles, like motorcycles, to use the new facility.

He proposed an ordinance for this. It was scheduled for deliberation during last Wednesday’s regular session, but he decided to withdraw the matter so he could just re-file this when the next set of City Council starts next month.

There were other proposed legislations that were also deferred because of time constraints, as the term of the incumbent officials will end on June 30.

If Cabarrubias’ proposal is approved, violators will be made to pay a penalty of P1,000 for the second offense and P10,000 for the third offense.

Although the installation of exhaust fans at the tunnel is still not complete, the city and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) already allowed motorists to use the tunnel during peak hours in the morning and in the afternoon.

 Heavy vehicles, however, are using the M.C. Briones and D. Jakosalem entrance to the SRP for those who wish to pass through the South Coastal Road.

Cabarrubias said that once his proposed ordinance will be passed, a traffic enforcer will be assigned at the entrance of the tunnel.

Billboards will be also installed at the tunnel entrance to inform the public of the prohibition. — THE FREEMAN