ILOILO City — Motorists and pedestrians could face stricter traffic enforcement and fines of up to P5,000 in designated areas of Iloilo City under a proposed ordinance creating Traffic Discipline Zones (TDZs) along major roads and around schools, hospitals and commercial districts.
The proposal seeks to establish clearly identified zones where traffic regulations — including speed limits, lane discipline, pedestrian right-of-way, parking and anti-obstruction rules — would be more strictly and consistently enforced as the city grapples with increasing vehicle and pedestrian traffic brought about by urbanization and economic growth.
Under the proposed ordinance, the Iloilo City Planning and Development Office (ICPDO) and Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) would undertake transportation planning and community consultations before areas are designated as TDZs.
Motorists and pedestrians entering the zones would be required to strictly observe lane discipline, speed limits, pedestrian right-of-way and anti-obstruction regulations.
Driving without a valid driver’s license or vehicle registration, reckless driving, drag racing, and driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs would also be prohibited.
Other violations include disregarding traffic signals and signs, illegal parking, counterflowing, blocking intersections or causing gridlock, and jaywalking.
The proposed measure carries escalating penalties for motorists and pedestrians.
A first offense would carry a P1,000 administrative fine and mandatory attendance at a two-hour road safety seminar conducted by the TTMO or Land Transportation Office (LTO).
A second offense would result in a P2,500 administrative fine and eight hours of community service monitored by the TTMO or City Social Welfare and Development Office.
For a third and subsequent offense, violators would face a P5,000 administrative fine and possible referral or recommendation to the LTO for suspension or revocation of the driver’s license and impounding of the vehicle.
But the proposed ordinance would not impose discipline on motorists and pedestrians alone.
Traffic enforcers assigned to TDZs would also be placed under stricter rules designed to prevent abuse and ensure professionalism during apprehensions.
They would be prohibited from soliciting money, verbally abusing or physically harassing motorists, confiscating a driver’s license without issuing an Ordinance Violation Receipt, or issuing citation tickets without the required official uniform and nameplate or a duty deployment order.
Enforcers found guilty of violations could face suspension without pay and, depending on the offense and applicable administrative proceedings, dismissal from government service.
Motorists and other violators would also be allowed to appeal before a proposed Traffic Adjudication Board.
Before enforcement begins, the proposed ordinance requires appropriate traffic signs and road markings in designated zones as well as an information campaign to make motorists and pedestrians aware of the rules.
The measure has passed first reading at the Iloilo City Council and will undergo further deliberations before possible approval and implementation.
Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chair of the council’s Committee on Transportation, said the proposal is meant to address the pressures created by Iloilo City’s continuing urbanization and increasing vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
“It is not just about apprehending people or collecting fines. We want motorists and pedestrians to understand that there are rules that must be followed because these rules are ultimately about safety,” he said.
Cabaluna said enforcement must also be consistent and accompanied by proper signage, road markings and public information before penalties are fully imposed.
He likewise stressed that the ordinance would hold traffic enforcers accountable for their conduct, not just motorists and pedestrians.
“Discipline should work both ways. If we are asking motorists to follow the rules, our traffic enforcers should also follow the rules and conduct themselves properly,” Cabaluna said.
He said the escalating penalties are designed to deter repeat violations, while safeguards against abusive enforcement are intended to preserve public confidence in the system./PN
