QC traffic code to generate P50 M

The new Traffic Management Code of Quezon City, which was implemented last Monday, is expected to generate P50 million a year, a top city official said yesterday

In a report to Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Manuel Sabalza, chief of the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), said the projected income would be generated from fines and penalties from motorists who will be issued Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVRs) for traffic law violations.

"All collections for violations of any section of the ordinance shall accrue in the traffic development trust fund, which shall be used for traffic development and facilities expenses," Sabalza said.

Part of the amount will also be used for incentives to traffic enforcers.

Belmonte earlier called on the newly mobilized traffic enforcers to be vigilant and resist any attempts by erring motorists to corrupt them.

"Let’s keep our image clean," the mayor stressed.

Council Majority Floor Leader Ariel Inton, for his part, lauded Sabalza for the successful implementation of the city’s new traffic code last Oct. 1.

Inton, the principal author of the new traffic code, said a traffic code was necessary to rationalize all traffic laws that often lead to chaos instead of order on the city’s highways and streets

"To a growing city like Quezon City, it is necessary that a new traffic law be implemented to respond positively to the growing demands of business and investments flowing in the city," Inton said

He said the City Council, under the leadership of Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, is extending necessary legislative support to the mayor to improve the facilities of the DPOS and the prevention of extortion activities by traffic enforcers.

The new traffic code was passed by the City Council as a response to the covenant entered by all cities and municipalities for a unified traffic scheme.