BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on Transportation and Traffic is proposing a measure that would require all trucks carrying sugarcane to pass through the Bacolod–Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH) when traversing the city’s jurisdiction.
Councilor Dindo Ramos, chairperson of the committee, authored the proposed measure to be known as the Economic Highway Sugarcane Truck Routing Ordinance of Bacolod City.
According to Ramos, Bacolod has been experiencing worsening traffic congestion due to rapid urban development, the rising volume of vehicles, and the lack of a rationalized road usage system for different vehicle types.
He noted that heavy-duty sugarcane trucks often share roads with smaller vehicles, posing safety risks and further aggravating traffic in major thoroughfares.
To address this, Ramos said the city government has developed additional roads to ease congestion and accommodate the increasing number of vehicles. “To maximize the use of these additional roads and ensure road safety, it is proposed that all heavy-duty sugarcane trucks be mandated to use the economic highway,” he added.
The ordinance seeks to promote road safety, reduce congestion in major city roads, protect road infrastructure, and improve transport efficiency by directing all sugarcane-laden trucks to the designated BANOCEH route.
The measure will cover all sugarcane-laden trucks, whether privately owned or commercially operated, entering, passing through, or exiting the city.
However, the following are exempted from the rule:
* Sugarcane trucks delivering to milling or processing facilities located within the inner city where use of the highway is not feasible;
* Trucks responding to emergency situations as determined by the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD); and
* Trucks granted a special permit by the City Mayor or their duly authorized representative.
Violators will face a fine ranging from P2,000 to P5,000, and possible revocation of their truck route permit for one year./PN
