CCTO observes overloading, no helmets, disregard of traffic signs

CEBU, Philippines — Overloading, not wearing of helmets, and disregard of traffic signs were among the common violations observed in the Banilad-Talamban (Ban-Tal)  area since the implementation of the new traffic scheme on Monday.

In an Openline News Forum, Atty. Kent Franciso Jongoy, assistant head of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), discussed about the initial assessment of the traffic scheme, including the BanTal discipline zone, no left turn policy, enforcement of motorcycle lanes, and faster travel time for private and public vehicles.

“We took the momentum to enforce and impose what has been a long traffic study of the Cebu City Transportation Office, particularly in the BanTal corridor,” said Jongoy.

He said that for the longest time, students and the working force have been sacrificing due to the traffic problem around the area.

The Banilad-Talamban Discipline zone was then  conceptualized with different projects, including the creation of public utility vehicle (PUV) stops, with over 22 lay-by existing along the stretch of BanTal corridor.

It is following an international standard wherein motorists, buses, taxis, and jeepneys could unload and load commuters in a specific zone.

Jongoy also shared his experience of the changes in the area where his usual travel time of 45 minutes to an hour, now only covered a span of 27 minutes.

“We are very proud to say nga it took us 27 minutes from the flyover to the Talamban circle,” he added.

Apart from the “no left turn policy” imposed by the CCTO, an all-out drive was also launched to monitor “kamote” or reckless drivers around the area.

According to Jongoy, during peak hours, about 40 to 50 citation tickets were issued against motorists, with 10 motorcycles held in custody.

Common violations, mostly by two-wheeler vehicles, are driving left or crossing double/single solid lines, overloading, motorcycles with no crash helmets, and disregard of traffic signs.

Meanwhile, Jongoy said the CCTO is in the works of having its own No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) in Cebu.

He said that Cebu is already 50 percent ready for the NCAP, with 47 intersections equipped with CCTVs and traffic lights that are powered with artificial intelligence (AI) that will monitor the major thoroughfares, national roads, and city streets.

“I hope that the new set of legislators will look into the possibility,” Jongoy said. — CNU Interns Shyrielle Lariosa, Giane Kate Pilapil, Reynan Monleon, and Raphael Veloso (FREEMAN)