Clamor prompts Ban-Tal tweak

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) on Thursday reopened the Foodland flyover to motorcycles following mounting complaints from motorists and commuters over heavy traffic during the first day of strict enforcement of the Banilad-Talamban (Ban-Tal) Discipline Zone.

The decision came a day after the city fully implemented the new traffic scheme, which drew criticism from motorists who blamed it for worsening congestion along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue.

CCTO chief Raquel Arce said reopening the flyover for motorcycles is part of the agency's continuing adjustments as it evaluates the implementation of Oplan Ban-Tal.

“Nadungog nato ang clamor sa publiko. Ikaduha, we are on the process nga mu-succeed ning Oplan Discipline Zone, so naa tay mga pwedeng usbon, naa tay pwedeng dili usbon, i-strict na siya until we finalize everything,” Arce said.

Arce said that motorcycles must still use the outermost lane. While riders are now allowed to pass through the flyover, they are required to return to the rightmost lane immediately after descending, and overtaking on the flyover remains strictly prohibited.

The CCTO also reminded motorists to stay within their designated lanes, obey traffic signs, follow the instructions of traffic enforcers, and observe safe driving speeds.

Arce emphasized that reopening the flyover should not be viewed as a failure of the new traffic scheme but as a necessary adjustment to improve its implementation.

“Mobasa ug mo-execute lang kon unsa’y naa sa signage. Kun ‘No Entry,’ ‘No Entry.’ Kun walay ‘No Entry,’ pwede ra kasulod. I-observe ug i-respeto lang nato kon unsa ang naa nga traffic laws ug enforcers,” she said.

On the first day of full enforcement on August 5, CCTO personnel issued 115 citation tickets within the Discipline Zone, which covers the stretch from Mambaling to Talamban.

Among the recorded violations were motorcycles crossing solid lane markings, public utility vehicles (PUVs) loading and unloading outside designated lay-bys, and pedestrians jaywalking despite the presence of skywalks and marked crosswalks.

Arce said she did not have the exact number of violations committed on the Foodland flyover but noted that traffic enforcers had apprehended and warned several motorists there.

The Ban-Tal Discipline Zone is Cebu City's second major traffic management initiative following the pilot implementation of motorcycle lanes at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Mayor Nestor Archival has described the program as part of the city's broader traffic modernization efforts, which include the installation of artificial intelligence-enabled traffic cameras, stricter enforcement of anti-drunk driving laws, and intensified traffic education campaigns at the community level.

The Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue corridor has long been one of Cebu City's most congested and accident-prone roads, particularly for motorcycle riders, who account for a significant share of daily traffic violations.

City officials said they will continue monitoring the Ban-Tal Discipline Zone and make further adjustments as needed in an effort to improve traffic flow and road safety along one of Cebu City's busiest corridors. — /FPL (FREEMAN)