Soco wants ‘disabled’ vehicles removed fast

CEBU, Philippines — Provincial Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco has proposed an ordinance requiring drivers of ‘disabled’ vehicles to immediately pull out from the highway.

This is in relation to his earlier proposal for the immediate pull out of vehicles involved in minor road accidents after taking necessary photos and videos of the incident.

Both proposed ordinances are now pending before the PB committee on public services.

Last October 07, 2019, the PB through a resolution also sponsored by Soco has declared traffic crisis in the Province of Cebu.

The declaration stemmed from the traffic problem experienced by the public in major thoroughfares that resulted to long hours of daily commute and land travel that have assumed the magnitude and degree of a crisis.

“Urgent measures are imperative to at least minimize if not to entirely eliminate traffic,” Soco said.

Soco pointed out the factors that contribute to the worsening traffic situation are vehicle breakdowns in the highways caused by poor diligence in attending to the road worthiness of vehicles before driving.

“The general public must not be made to suffer from vehicle breakdowns caused by drivers who are not mindful of the proper checks and maintenance issues of their vehicles before embarking on a road trip/travel,” he said.

Soco cited that most common vehicle breakdowns are caused by engine problems, transmission issues, driving with obvious leaks resulting to brake, radiator or alternator trouble, steering failure and flat tires.

“Whenever there is a vehicle breakdown or trouble in the highway, the driver or owner are expected to immediately address the problem and pull out his or her vehicle from the road in order not to create a gridlock or delay in traffic flow,” he added.

Soco’s proposal shall not be applicable to the traffic incidents or accidents which result to vehicle breakdowns caused by collision of two or more vehicles.

The proposed ordinance provides for P1,000 penalty for the first offense; P3,000 for the second offense; and P5,000 for the third offense. (FREEMAN)