Proposed measure prohibits use of public open spaces for parking

CEBU, Philippines - A proposed ordinance which prohibits a person from reserving any portion of a public street, alley, or any public open space for his exclusive use as parking space for his vehicle has been approved by the Mandaue City council on first reading and has been endorsed to the committee on laws and ordinances.

The draft ordinance, authored by city councilor Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon, prohibits any person from reserving a portion of public streets, avenues, sidewalks, alleys, and other public open spaces for their exclusive use as parking space. The measure also provides penalties for violators.

Ouano-Dizon in an interview said that most front and open spaces of most establishments in the city are being utilized by the owners or operators for their private use or reserve public spaces for clients, which block traffic flow.

Once the draft ordinance is approved, traffic enforcers and local barangay officials shall strictly enforce it in their barangays. - THE FREEMAN