THE IMPLEMENTATION of traffic laws in Iloilo City, particularly the clamping ordinance, has raised questions about transparency and accountability. As the city government tightens the noose on illegally parked vehicles through its Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO), the clamor for a fair and just enforcement process grows louder, especially in light of recent incidents that hint at potential overreach.
A case in point is the recent grievance aired by a jeepney driver who was fined while attending to a flat tire — a situation that hardly qualifies as deliberate illegal parking. Such instances show significant oversight in the practical application of traffic regulations, revealing a gap between policy intentions and real-world impacts. This gap not only fosters public resentment but also diminishes trust in local authorities. It is a must for the city government to adopt a more transparent approach.
Transparency in traffic management goes beyond just publishing rules; it involves clear communication about the rationale behind policies and the procedures for their enforcement. It also requires making data available on enforcement actions, such as the number of vehicles clamped and fined, to prevent any perception of arbitrary decision-making. Accountability, on the other hand, involves setting up mechanisms for the public to report and resolve grievances regarding unjust penalties or mismanagement by traffic personnel.
The ordinance’s stipulation that a vehicle can only be clamped post-issuance of a citation ticket by an authorized officer is a step in the right direction. However, ensuring that this rule is universally applied is important. The presence of traffic enforcers during clamping is mandated, yet without public oversight, such rules can be easily flouted. The city could consider implementing an observer program, where neutral parties can witness and report on clamping activities, adding a layer of accountability that currently relies solely on the enforcer’s discretion.
Also, the complex nature of urban traffic and the diverse scenarios in which clamping might not be a reasonable response (such as the case of the jeepney driver) call for a protocol that allows for situational flexibility. Enforcers should have the discretion to assess situations where compliance with parking regulations is not feasible or when a vehicle becomes unintentionally non-compliant due to unforeseen circumstances like mechanical failures.
Fostering a culture of accountability within the TTMO is a must. This can be achieved through regular audits, feedback mechanisms from the public, and perhaps most importantly, training programs that emphasize ethical conduct and the judicious use of authority. Such initiatives would not only help in refining the enforcement of traffic regulations but also in rebuilding public trust — an essential component of effective governance.
Effective traffic management should facilitate city life, not complicate it.
