Large vehicles exempted from truck ban create jams

CEBU, Philippines - The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue has another problem in its hands: trucks and delivery vans that transport perishable items slow down traffic.

These vehicles are exempted from the truck ban that is in effect in Mandaue City but it appears the trucks and vans all appear in the streets during the hours the ban is in effect, creating jams.

Team director Edwin Ermac has appealed to owners to refrain from sending out their delivery trucks all at once.

“Mao ni karon ang among problema kay magdungan dungan sila,” Ermac said.

The city council recently approved an ordinance banning trucks weighing 4,500 kilograms and above from passing though designated roads from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., except on Sundays and non-working holidays.

The ban covers trucks, vans, trailers, tankers, and other large vehicles.

Exempted from the ban are trucks and delivery vans that carry rice and other perishable items such as fish, vegetables, dairy and poultry products, as well as frozen meat products, animal feeds livestock, and export goods and petroleum products.

The ban covers Ouano Ave., A. Soriano Ave. Plaridel St., L. Jaena St., M.C. Briones St., J.P. Rizal St., A.S. Fortuna St., H. Cortes St., M.L. Quezon St., A.C. Cortes Ave., S.B. Cabahug St., U.N. Ave., P. Burgos St., A. Del Rosario St., C. Ouano St., B.B. Cabahug St., F.B. Cabahug St., G. Ouano Street, and Panagdait area.

Violators are issued a traffic citation and fined P1,000. (FREEMAN)